988 cost estimates based on ~$82 per contact (SAMHSA-derived estimate used in policy analyses) and U.S. average call duration of 13.76 minutes (March 2026).

alternatives to suicide costs vary based on participation (5–25 participants per session).

march 988 data: https://988lifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/988-In-State-Monthly-Report.pdf

cost per contact (~$82 used in multiple policy and cost analyses based on SAMHSA inputs): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10758993/

national scale (8M+ contacts/year): https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20260113/samhsa-announces-231-m-funding-opportunity-administer-988-lifeline

988 structure (national network, 24/7 crisis response): https://988lifeline.org/about/