United Way, operating the 988 Florida Lifeline locally, has seen an 18% increase in calls in one year

Jacksonville, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2026) — As 988 Day is recognized today during National Suicide Prevention Month, United Way of Northeast Florida is highlighting a significant increase in local calls to the 988 Florida Lifeline, a sign that more people across the region are reaching out for mental health and emotional support when they need it most. Operated locally by United Way, the 988 Florida Lifeline has seen an 18% increase in local call volume over the past year.

In 2025, United Way’s 988 team of crisis specialists answered 14,457 mental health crisis calls, approximately 2,900 of which addressed thoughts of suicide. So far in 2026, the team has answered
11,382 crisis calls. Residents from across Northeast Florida call in seeking support for concerns ranging from depression and anxiety to grief, financial stress and suicidal thoughts. The data underscores that mental health crises can affect anyone, and people do not have to wait until they are considering suicide to call 988. United Way operates 988 for nine counties in the Northeast Florida region: Duval, Baker, Clay, Columbia, Hamilton, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Suwannee counties.

“More Northeast Florida residents are turning to 988 for mental health and emotional support in moments of crisis, and that is a sign the resource is reaching more people when they need it most,” said Rebecca Weaver, who oversees United Way’s call center as vice president of crisis and community navigation. “It reflects growing awareness of 988 as a local resource and a willingness to ask for help. Every call represents someone taking an important step toward getting the support they need.”

The 988 Florida Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, launched in 2022 as part of the national expansion of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This free, confidential resource is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to provide compassionate support for individuals experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or substance use crises. United Way’s call center answers 988 calls for Northeast Florida, while text and chat support are available through the national 988 network. Individuals can dial or text 9-8-8 or start a chat at chat.988lifeline.org during a mental health or substance use crisis or if a loved one is showing emotional distress. They will be connected to a trained crisis specialist who will listen, provide support and offer coping strategies. Callers can also be connected to local resources to support their needs.

In a recent article published by the Centers for Disease Control, stigma associated with help seeking and mental illness is a significant societal risk factor that can increase the likelihood a person
might attempt suicide.

“Reducing the stigma around seeking mental health support is critical, especially when so many resources and organizations are ready to help,” said Melanie Patz, president and CEO of United
Way. “We’re working to make sure more people know about 988 and understand that it’s OK to not be OK. When someone is facing a difficult time, reaching out for help can be a powerful first step. No one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Our team is here for you.”

In May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, United Way launched its new United for Mental Health Fund, raising dollars to support operations for its 988 and 211 call centers, its Mission
United care coordination program for Veterans and Full Service Schools, which provides free mental health care for children and their families in Duval County public schools. United Way is grateful to all who have already invested in this new fund. If you would like to make a gift to support local families’ access to mental health resources through the United for Mental Health Fund, visit unitedwaynefl.org/mentalhealthfund or email United Way’s vice president of philanthropy, Éres McKee at eresm@nulluwnefl.org. 

“People call us for many different reasons,” said Sandrita Ramos, 988 operations supervisor at United Way. “Sometimes they need immediate crisis support. Sometimes they’re overwhelmed,
lonely or don’t know where else to turn. Our team is always there to help them. We encourage everyone to know the number before you need it. To save a life, which could be your own, it’s as
simple as dialing 9-8-8.”

HOW TO ACCESS 988
The 988 Florida Lifeline can be accessed by phone, text or chat. Dial or text 9-8-8 or start a chat at chat.988lifeline.org to speak to a crisis specialist now.

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ABOUT THE 988 FLORIDA LIFELINE
The 988 Florida Lifeline is a behavioral health support service that is free and available 24/7 for Floridians to call when looking to address their mental health concerns. Whether you’re in crisis, or
just need someone to talk to, 988 is here to listen. Learn more at 988floridalifeline.com.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
For more than a century, United Way of Northeast Florida has walked alongside individuals and families, helping them move through today’s challenges and realize tomorrow’s possibilities. We
deliver services, provide funds and mobilize volunteers where they’re needed most to strengthen financial security, create youth opportunity and build a healthy community. As a respected and trusted philanthropic organization, we have a long tradition of helping families thrive across Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties. Our work is made possible thanks to the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners. To learn more and get involved, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.