This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988. For more resources, click here.

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services will receive nearly $17 million in new federal funding to enhance operations of the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline, Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday.

The lifeline is a service that answers calls, texts and chats to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from Wisconsin-based phone numbers and locations.

The funding will support efforts to:

• Build the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline workforce, including creating more jobs throughout the state and expanding remote work options to allow for more follow-up contacts, ensuring people who need additional support beyond the call, text or chat are getting connected to local care and support

• Strengthen connections between the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline, 911 centers and county programs that serve people experiencing mental health and substance use emergencies

• Raise awareness of the service through statewide advertising and direct outreach campaigns to populations that are difficult to reach through traditional advertising methods, including people at higher risk for a mental health and substance use emergency

The funding will come from two grants. The congressional spending project is providing $3.1 million, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration improvement project is providing $4.6 million a year for three years, for a total of $13.8 million.

“I declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health in Wisconsin because our state is facing a mental and behavioral health crisis, and we want folks of all ages and backgrounds who are working to overcome these challenges to know that help and support is available,” Evers said. “We will continue working to ensure Wisconsinites have access to the health care and resources they need, and we are grateful for the federal government’s continued investment in this vital service. These grants will help continue the good work of the folks at the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline to make sure that when our family, friends and neighbors need someone to talk to, somebody is there to provide support and help save lives.”

From July 2022 through September 2023, Wisconsinites made 91,860 calls, 15,442 texts and 12,483 chats to the lifeline, Evers’ office said.

“There is hope. There is help,” DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson said. “The 988 Wisconsin Lifeline has proven to be a valuable service in protecting and promoting the health and safety of all state residents. This funding will have a positive impact on saving lives.”

The contact is free and confidential.

For more information on the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline, click here.