WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Suicide takes the lives of about 50,000 Americans every year, including many veterans.
Legislation to strengthen a key tool in preventing suicides was signed into law earlier this week.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has received more than 16 million contacts since its launch in July 2022, an average of about 1,400 per day. But on one day, it received zero—not because no one needed help, but because the system had been hacked and taken offline for 24 hours.
“And it was offline for 24 hours. That should never happen,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
Mullin said speaking to a trained crisis counselor is critical for anyone contemplating suicide, especially veterans who take the difficult step of calling for help.
“That’s hard to admit that you need help,” Mullin said.
He added that the Lifeline system itself needs support to remain secure.
Under the new legislation, Lifeline executives must coordinate with the Health and Human Services chief information security officer to prevent cyberattacks and eliminate known vulnerabilities. The Lifeline’s administrator must report any incidents within 24 hours, and the Government Accountability Office will evaluate ongoing risks to the system.
Still, Mullin acknowledged that the changes will not resolve every issue.
“We still have issues with the phone being answered every time it rings, right? This should never go to voicemail,” he said.
Recent studies show the Lifeline’s answer rate is now about 90%, and more than 10% of callers say talking to someone at the Lifeline kept them from harming or killing themselves.
“I will say every life we save matters because every one of these are veterans that have been destroyed,” Mullin said.
Help is available 24/7 by calling 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for anyone facing mental health struggles.
