A year ago, South Dakota transitioned the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline number.
The change was put in place to make it easier for anyone facing a mental health crisis to get help.
Janet Kittams is CEO of the Helpline Center, the the organization receiving those calls about mental health issues, substance abuse and suicide.
She said there has been a 130% increase in calls since the switch to 988.
“They remember it when they need it. That's the most important thing because we all go through dark times in our lives. And so we never know exactly when we're going to need to reach out for help. And so when that happens people will remember 988," said Kittams.
The switch to 988 also introduced a text and chat service. Kittams said 15% of people choose to text the number instead of calling it, especially younger people.
“We hear from a lot of young people through our texting and through chat to and I think it's an opportunity for them to communicate in a way that feels comfortable to them. They might not be comfortable verbalizing what's happening in their life by calling us," said Kittams.
When you contact 988 from a 605-area code, people who live and work in South Dakota will answer.
The new number has helped reach people all over the state.
"We have reached people from every County in South Dakota. So that includes our urban areas, but it also includes our very very rural areas at the state. So, anyone can experience a mental health crisis. And so, we're so pleased that people will reach out no matter where they're at," said Kittams.
The Helpline Center successfully deescalates and stabilizes the person calling in 96% of the calls they receive, according to Kittams.