Tragic Loss of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland Highlights Mental Health in Football
#cowboys #mental_health #nfl #tragedy
Tribute to Marshawn Kneeland, Cowboys defensive end, and a call for mental health support in football.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline News and Analysis
About 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The **988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline** is a vital national network providing free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support to individuals experiencing suicidal crises, mental health emergencies, or emotional distress across the United States. It connects callers, texters, and chatters to trained crisis counselors who offer compassionate intervention, guidance, and resources tailored to individual needs[1][2][6]. The organization’s roots trace back to the **National Suicide Prevention Lifeline**, launched on January 1, 2005, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and operated by Vibrant Emotional Health. Initially, it connected 109 crisis centers nationwide and answered about 20,000 calls in its first year. Over time, it expanded to over 170 crisis centers, answering 2.2 million calls annually by 2018, reflecting a growing demand for mental health crisis services[1]. In 2020, the U.S. Congress designated **988 as the new, easy-to-remember three-digit dialing code** for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support, marking a significant milestone in crisis care accessibility. The implementation required all U.S. telecommunication providers to enable 988 by July 16, 2022. This transition from the longer 1-800 number to 988 was designed to transform the crisis care system by streamlining access and encouraging more people to seek help in moments of distress[3][5]. Today, the 988 Lifeline operates through a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining customized local care with national standards and best practices. It serves diverse populations, including youth, rural communities, and those impacted by substance use disorders. The service also supports Deaf, hard of hearing, and Spanish-speaking populations, enhancing inclusivity[2][3][4]. Key achievements include the successful nationwide rollout of the 988 dialing code, expanded crisis center capacity, and integration of text and chat options alongside calls, broa