NMHA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority is joining the national observance of “988 Day” on Sept. 8, 2025, a day of action to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and its role in supporting mental health across the state. 

“Calling, texting or chatting 988 is available to every New Mexican in every moment of need,” said Nick Boukas, director of the Behavioral Health Services Division at the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “Every call, text and chat represents a moment of courage and a chance to connect people with the support they deserve.” 

988 Day promotes the free and confidential lifeline that connects New Mexicans to trained behavioral health professionals any time, day or night. The goal is to make sure more people in crisis know where to turn for help. This year’s theme, Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere., reflects 988’s mission of making care accessible to anyone in need. 

Since its launch in July 2022, the 988 Lifeline has received more than 105,000 calls, texts and chats in New Mexico. The lifeline has been credited with helping reduce suicide deaths statewide, including a 43 percent decline among Indigenous residents, a 42 percent drop among women and a 9 percent overall reduction across New Mexico in just one year. 

Throughout September, the Health Care Authority, the New Mexico Peer Coalition, Recovery Communities of New Mexico and other partner organizations will host 988 Day pop-up events in communities statewide. Many of these events align with Recovery Month and coincide with National Suicide Prevention Month, amplifying outreach and awareness in September. 

Learn more about 988 in New Mexico at www.988nm.org.