Poll: Most adults over 50 unaware of 988 Suicide Help Line

A new national poll found that nearly 70% of adults over 50 have never heard of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Source: “Poll: Many Older Americans Unaware Of 988 Suicide Help Line,” HealthDay, July 17).
 
Since its inception four years ago, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has provided millions of Americans with a critical safety net during mental health emergencies. The service offers free mental health counseling, any time, day or night  — via call, text or chat.
 
But new research suggests that this resource is failing to reach those 50 and older. The National Poll on Healthy Aging reported that 31% of adults over 50 are completely unaware that any mental health crisis lines exist, and 69% had never heard of the 988 service.
 
These gaps in awareness are alarming given that suicide rates for people over 50 are higher than those among teens and young adults.