988 telecom fees tied to higher crisis funding - Report - MDSpire
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988 telecom fees tied to higher crisis funding

State allocations rose over 6 fiscal years but did not vary significantly by suicide death rate.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • September 22, 2026

  • 4 min

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988 telecom fees tied to higher crisis funding

Overview

State funding for suicide prevention and crisis services significantly increased from 2021 to 2026, particularly in states that enacted 988 telecom fees. These states allocated more than twice as much per capita for these services compared to those without such fees.

Background

The allocation of funding for suicide prevention and crisis services is critical in addressing mental health crises and reducing suicide rates. The introduction of the 988 telecom fee aims to provide a sustainable funding source for these essential services.

Data Highlights

YearMean Per-Capita Funding
2021$1.05
2025$6.55
2026$4.51

Key Findings

  • States with enacted 988 telecom fees allocated a mean of $7.73 per capita for suicide prevention services.
  • States without 988 fees allocated a mean of $3.13 per capita.
  • 22% of state-year observations allocated $0 to suicide prevention and crisis services.
  • Mean annual funding increased from $1.05 in 2021 to $6.55 in 2025.
  • As of July 2026, 12 states had enacted 988 telecom-fee legislation.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that states with enacted 988 telecom fees allocated more funding for suicide prevention and crisis services.

Conclusion

The study presents data on the relationship between 988 telecom fees and funding for suicide prevention services.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Purtle, J., JAMA Network Open, 2026 -- 988 telecom fees tied to higher crisis funding
  2. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — 988 Enters Its Fourth Year as Demand Grows and the Mental Health and Substance Use Landscape Shifts
  3. United States Department of Health and Human Services — SAMHSA Awards $255 Million to Administer 988 Lifeline
  4. JAMA Network Open — Strengthening the 988 Lifeline Workforce—Policy and Workforce Implications of a National Survey
  5. 988 Enters Its Fourth Year as Demand Grows and the Mental Health and Substance Use Landscape Shifts
  6. SAMHSA Awards $255 Million to Administer 988 Lifeline
  7. 2025 National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care
  8. Workforce and Staffing at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Centers

Original Source(s)

988 telecom fees tied to higher crisis funding

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • September 22, 2026

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