Celebrating 3 Years of Support: Alabama’s 988 Mental Health Hotline Makes a Difference

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – If you’re facing a mental health crisis, it can feel isolating. That’s why the Alabama Department of Mental Health launched the 988 crisis hotline three years ago.

This hotline quickly became a vital resource for many Alabamians dealing with mental health challenges. Whether it’s anxiety, substance use, or thoughts of suicide, 988 offers immediate support.

Beverly Johnson from the Alabama Department of Mental Health shared some striking numbers: “We’ve received over 130,000 contacts through that line. That’s over 130,000 individuals who found support when they needed it most.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. In tough moments, it’s comforting to know there’s someone ready to listen.

“988 is available 24/7,” Johnson said. “We have centers across the state ready to respond to calls from anyone in crisis or those seeking help for a loved one.”

No one wants to be put on hold when they’re feeling vulnerable. Thankfully, the average response time for 988 is just 23 seconds. “Our answer rate has improved a lot,” Johnson noted, with nearly 88% of calls answered in-state in June 2025, up from 64% in July 2022.

Recent advancements have made the service even better. 988 now uses geo-routing technology to connect callers with local resources. “Even though we protect your privacy, you’ll get support tailored to your area,” Johnson explained.

This hotline has been a source of help and hope for three years now. It’s a safe place where individuals can feel heard and supported.



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