CSS Celebrates 2 Years of 988

July 16, 2024

Today officially marks the 2-year anniversary since the new suicide and crisis lifeline, 988, was activated across the country. “This 3-digit 911 alternative for suicide and mental health crises has been a critical resource for so many in need of support,” said Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, Founder and CEO of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA. “We’re so thankful to all of our entertainment partners who have helped increase its visibility at the end of, or throughout their, episodes and TV shows featuring content related to suicide, mental health crises, and substance use.”

When free resources like 988 are featured on television, it can make a real difference in the lives of many, especially young people. In one study, the Center for Scholars & Storytellers found that after watching content related to suicide, 88% of teens discussed mental health topics with friends and family, and 92% looked for mental health information.

For more resources on how to responsibly cover suicide in the media, visit the Mental Health Media Guide or the National Recommendations for Depicting Suicide. And to learn more about 988, visit 988lifeline.org.

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The Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) at UCLA is the only adolescent-centered organization that brings together the academic and creative communities to unlock the power of storytelling and help the next generation thrive and grow. Our primary aim is to support storytellers who are working towards better reflecting the lives of adolescents ages 10-25. CSS is affiliated with UCLA through the faculty appointment of our founder, Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, in the Psychology Department, one of the highest-ranked in the world. We have more than 100 academic collaborators from universities around the world. Our award-winning work has been featured on NPR, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Deadline, Good Morning America and more.

For media inquiries, please reach out to april@scholarsandstorytellers.com.