Marking a significant milestone in crisis intervention, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is today celebrating the second anniversary of the inclusion of American Sign Language (ASL) services through the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In a show of commitment to accessibility, the 988 Lifeline, which launched back in July 2022, has expanded its reach to cater to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community with direct video calling for ASL users since September 2023.
In the span of 22 months since its inception, this dedicated videophone service has managed to field over 48,000 calls nationally, according to the NCDHHS. The state-by-state detailed data might not be available since the ASL videophone service is operated via a national call center. Dev Sangvai, NC Health and Human Services Secretary, stressed the importance of inclusive support systems, "Our department is committed to ensuring all North Carolinians have access to life-saving services, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline," as per a statement obtained by NCDHHS.
The success of the 988 Lifeline is evident from the usage stats. In North Carolina alone, the REAL Crisis Center, responsible for operating the 988 service, has handled an average of more than 11,500 contacts per month from June 2024 through May 2025. Significantly, more than 13,300 contacts were recorded in May 2025, with veterans making almost 3,000 of those calls. Moreover, Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, pointed out the recurring nature of the contacts, indicating a high level of satisfaction among those seeking help — almost half of the contacts received by 988 are from someone who has reached out previously.
The 988 Day is not only a celebration but also a vital opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. A recent survey revealed that one in three callers to 988 from North Carolina say the service saved their life or someone else’s, bringing to light the critical role such lifelines play in our society. This level of impact underscores the NCDHHS's dedication to providing a mental health care system that caters to everyone's needs, with the 988 Lifeline being a crucial component in that continuum of care.
The website offers a Peer Warmline, where individuals can speak with someone who has navigated through similar experiences. The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text services ensure confidential support is readily accessible 24/7. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, reaching a live ASL-fluent counselor via video call or text is facilitated by dialing 988 or visiting the website and clicking the "Deaf/HoH" button. The state's approach also extends to mobile crisis teams and community crisis centers to provide immediate assistance without the need for an emergency room visit. For more info on these resources, interested parties can visit NCDHHS.
