WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Kennedy (R-LA), announced a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 8, 2026, as 988 Day and honoring the critical role of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The date coincides with 988 Day, an annual day of action held each September 8 to raise awareness of the Lifeline and the free, confidential support it provides. A companion resolution has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO-1), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among Americans ages 10 to 34 in 2024, claiming more than 48,800 lives nationwide — roughly one death every 11 minutes.

Since launching nationwide in July 2022, the 988 Lifeline has received approximately 26.2 million calls, texts, and chats. In June 2026 alone, it fielded more than 770,000 contacts, a 92 percent increase over June 2023. The Lifeline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offers support in more than 240 languages, and provides specialized services for veterans, Spanish speakers, and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. By dialing 988, callers are connected to trained crisis counselors who provide free, confidential support to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, a mental health crisis, or a substance use crisis.

“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has become an essential resource for millions of Americans and is helping people through some of the darkest moments of their lives,” said Senator Booker. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan Senate resolution to raise awareness of this lifesaving service and make sure more people know that help is available when they need it. We must continue investing in mental health care and crisis services so that no one has to face a moment of crisis alone.”

“In the middle of a historic mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has proven to be a lifesaver for Americans who need help. I’m proud to join Senator Booker in recognizing the seriousness of America’s suicide epidemic and the important work being done to prevent these tragedies,” said Senator Kennedy.

“The number 988 is a cornerstone of our nation's mental health safety net, but too many people still don't know it's there to help them on one of the hardest days of their life," said Representative Bell. “During an ongoing nationwide mental health epidemic that is especially impacting our nation’s young people, recognizing 988 Day means making sure that in the hardest of moments, no one in Missouri or anywhere else feels they have to face the darkness alone. Help is always within reach."

"In 1996, I lost my first wife due to her battle with mental health struggles," said Representative Thanedar. "It was a heartbreaking loss for my entire family, and this incident drives my advocacy to create a healthcare system where everyone has access to high-quality mental health care. 988 is an incredible resource that saves lives every day, and I am proud to co-lead this resolution that highlights their crucial work. Americans should know that there is no shame in seeking help, suicide is preventable, and you can call 988 at any time."

“988 Day is an opportunity to recognize the vital role the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline plays in connecting people to trained counselors, local resources, and compassionate, judgment-free support, while reminding everyone that they are never alone and that help is available,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).“The Lifeline’s remarkable growth since the nationwide launch of 988 in 2022, from 4.8 million contacts in 2023 to 7.8 million contacts in 2025, underscores the essential role 988 now plays in our nation’s mental health and suicide prevention system. AFSP commends Representatives Bell, Thanedar, Lawler, and Senator Booker for their leadership in introducing this resolution honoring 988 Day and raising awareness of this lifesaving resource.”

Read the text of the Senate resolution here.