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Nearly 70% of US adults age 50 and older have never heard of a 988 crisis line
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Awareness of mental health support is significantly lower among Hispanic adults and men over 50
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A new survey shows that concerns about privacy are a major barrier to reaching out
FRIDAY, July 17, 2026 (NewsDay News) – Since its inception four years ago, 988 Lifeline Suicide and Crisis has provided a critical safety net to millions of Americans in the midst of a mental health emergency.
The service offers free mental health advice anytime, day or night – via call, text or chat.
But new research shows that these sources have not been able to reach people aged 50 and above.
In National Survey on Healthy Aging reported that 31% of adults over 50 were completely unaware of the existence of a mental health crisis line.
Most of all, 69% of respondents have never heard of the 988 service.
These gaps in awareness are worrisome in light of that suicide rate it is higher for people over 50 than for teenagers and young adults.
Certain demographic groups fare worse. The survey found that almost half of Spanish adults over 50 are unaware of any mental health hotline. The 988 line is available in Spanish and English.
Question also found that men were significantly less comfortable reaching out for help in this way than women.
“Men overall have nearly four times the suicide rate of women, and suicide rates among Hispanic adults have increased in recent years,” he said. Mark Ilgena professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan and a mental health researcher.
“Better awareness of what to expect when contacting a crisis line may be key to increasing the use of such services and may reduce the number of suicide victims in this age group,” she said in a news release.
Among the respondents who heard about the 988 line, 4% contacted the service; half of them reached out to help themselves and half said it was to help someone else.
Privacy remains a significant barrier for many older adults.
Almost half of respondents expressed concern about contacting 988, with 26% citing privacy as their top concern. While the service is confidential, 40% of participants suggested that the ability to remain anonymous made them more likely to use the resource.
In 988 Life of suicide and crisis also offers support for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It can also connect veterans to specialized counselors.
To improve outcomes, experts urge primary care physicians, spiritual leaders, and family members to take a more active role in sharing information about available crisis services.
“Those caring for people over 50 should look for ways to share information about 988 and other crisis services, as anyone can experience a mental health crisis, or a friend or family member,” the survey director said. Dr. Jeffrey Kullgrenassociate professor of internal medicine at the Medical University of Michigan and primary care physician at the VA Ann Arbor Health System.
Research by World Health Organization at the University of Chicago for the Institute for Health Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan. The results are based on a sample of 2,379 US adults aged 50 to 95 who were surveyed online and by phone in September 2025. The margin of error is plus or minus 1 to 3 percent.
More information
For a complete list, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration mental health support resources.
Source: University of Michigan, National Survey on Healthy Aging, July 13, 2026
What does this mean for you?
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health emergency, remember that 988 offers confidential, 24/7 support that allows for anonymity. Save this number in your contacts and call if you need someone to listen.
