According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, since rolling out the 988 line last year, the line has answered nearly five million contacts, which is nearly two million more than the previous 12 months when the number was ten digits long.

Of those nearly five million contacts, about 665,000 were text messages. Almost one million of the contacts were answered by the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Military members, Veterans and their families can reach the VCL by dialing 988 and pressing option number one.

In addition to the VCL, there are other specialized programs associated with the new 988 line. Spanish speakers can connect directly to Spanish-speaking crisis counselors by calling 988 and pressing option number two, texting “AYUDA” to 988 or chatting at http://988lineadevida.org or http://988Lifeline.org.

Those seeking specialized services for LGBTQI+ can call 988 and select option number three, text 988 or chat at http://988Lifeline.org. This way, people needing help will be connected to a counselor specifically focused on meeting their needs.

Some important points about the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline are that anyone who calls, texts or chats 988 does not have to give their name or location to receive help and services. Also, trained counselors – not just random employees – in more than 200 call centers across the U.S. are available to answer calls, texts and chats at any time of the day or night. After all, there is no set time or schedule that people may be in times of crisis.

While the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is doing much to help those who may be considering suicide, there is much that all of us can do as well, especially two things: watch for warning signs and acting on our concerns when we do see signs. Signs can include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or feeling like a burden, increasing the use of alcohol or drugs, acting anxious or agitated or withdrawing or feeling isolated.

When we see someone exhibiting any of these warning signs, some important things to remember include: don’t leave the person alone, remove firearms, drugs, sharp objects or anything else that could be used in a suicide attempt, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or take the person to a medical professional or emergency room. Asking the question is always an appropriate action when we are concerned about someone: Are you thinking of suicide?

Suicide is preventable. We can all spread the word about 988 to do our part to prevent.