988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The suicide prevention crisis line was created to make it easier to dial for help. It has fielded hundreds of thousands of calls from Ohioans across the state since its launch.

988 has gotten roughly 10 million calls in the last two years. U.S. officials want to to raise awareness about the service

Most states are trying to figure out how to fund their 988 hotlines after the nationwide launch of the number last year. Ohio will fund its line through the budget, and there's a plan to make the funding permanent.

An informational website and a streamlined call center are being touted as vital resources while the state raises awareness of problem gambling and suicide prevention.

Mental health advocates celebrated the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, but some people voiced concerns that using the service could lead to police involvement or forced hospitalization.

State officials estimate about 90,000 Ohioans call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline each year. But soon, Ohio and the rest of the country will transition to a new number that's shorter and easier to remember: 988.