The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched in July 2022, represents a critical represents a critical step forward in addressing mental health crises, particularly for students of color who often face unique challenges and systemic barriers to accessing appropriate care.
988 can help bridge gaps in mental health services and the educational system by offering timely support in moments of crisis. The Lifeline fosters a more inclusive and supportive approach by offering students of color a safe, responsive, and understanding environment to seek help – rather than alternatives such as incarceration.
Thank you to our community partners and subject matter experts – Genesis Abril (California Black Women’s Health Project), Alexis Martin (The Children’s Partnership), Adrienne Shilton (California Alliance of Child and Family Services), and Marika Collins (Didi Hirsch) for their contributions to this fact sheet. The collaboration was instrumental in ensuring the fact sheet contains comprehensive and user-friendly information.
