New Vista Reports Significant Increase in 988 Crisis Line Calls

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — New Vista Behavioral Health Clinic has announced a 38% increase in local calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline over the past year. The rise, amounting to more than 5,000 calls from central Kentuckians.

“If you look at January 2023 through July of 2024, so I guess the past 18 months, we have seen an increase by 43%, so we definitely have an increase in call volume. And the good thing about that is people are knowing the number and feeling comfortable reaching out for help,” said the New Vista Regional Director of Emergency Response, Darcy Miller.

To address this surge, New Vista has added eight new volunteers to its call center team. These volunteers undergo comprehensive training to effectively manage calls and de-escalate crises.

The increase in call volume comes two years after the 988 hotline was launched in Kentucky, something Governor Andy Beshear recently highlighted.

“Currently our network of 13 in-state call centers has answered the phone on an average of 23 seconds. That’s 13 seconds faster than the national average,” said Governor Beshear.

Beshear explained the widespread use of the mental health crisis line across the state, emphasizing its importance in providing timely support.

“Since the launch of 988, compassionate trained counselors, because that’s what they are, have received more than 84,000 calls, 25,000 text messages, and 15,000 online chats from  Kentuckians,” said Governor Beshear.

A volunteer at New Vista, David Hafley, reflects the shared mission of New Vista’s team: to reassure individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.

“I came to the position through a sense of personal commitment, but also a real belief in what 988 is trying to do. And the success we’re seeing already in terms of being available to people who need help,” said Hafley.

For those in need of mental health support, the 988 Lifeline remains available 24/7.