Roughly one-in-three Cook County residents in a mental health crisis have used the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support, but a recent report finds more can be done to raise awareness for the service. [Health News Illinois]

The report from the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council gathered data from 304 surveys collected at community events and eight focus groups of behavioral health or service providers and individuals who used services.

While roughly 33 percent of respondents said they have used 988 since it went live in 2022, another 55 percent of respondents said they called 911 or visited an emergency room while in a mental health crisis.

Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis said the report reflects that changing habits and building awareness of 988 will take time.

“We’re up against long-standing care patterns and stigma, but with 988 and community-based crisis care, we are collectively building new pathways to help people get the right care, at the right time, in the right place,” Mikaitis said. “It's a journey we’re on together with our partners across Cook County and within our communities.”

The report lays out several steps toward improving awareness for 988. That includes additional community outreach with local organizations, investments in paid digital marketing and target outreach, improved coordination between service providers and support for community health workers.

Cook County provides just over $18 million in funding to community-based mental health organizations that support the 988 crisis line and provide crisis care services.

“This report highlights the progress being made in building systems of community-based care that both prevent crises before they arise and can respond to persons in crisis when they occur,” Cook County board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement. “Cook County remains committed to ensuring that every resident can receive compassionate support when they need it most.”

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