Youth suicide rates in the United States have fallen 11 percent below projected levels since the launch of the 988 national suicide prevention hotline, according to a new study. Researchers estimate that nearly 4,400 adolescents and young adults are alive as a result of the program, which began in July 2020 with bipartisan backing and a 1.5 billion dollar federal investment.

The decline was most pronounced in states where the hotline received the highest volume of calls. Researchers compared trends among older adults and in England, where no similar hotline change occurred, and did not find comparable decreases, strengthening the case that 988 played a significant role.

Youth suicide rates had peaked in 2021 after years of increases, partly attributed to social media pressures and pandemic disruptions. Since then, rates have gradually declined. Counselors say many calls come from people who feel isolated or overwhelmed, and that simply listening can be life-saving. After briefly discontinuing a specialized option for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer callers, federal officials said this week that it would be restored.