The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s “What Is True?” team investigated a claim by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health that the state ranked No. 1 in the nation for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in-state answer rates during the first half of fiscal year 2026.
RESULTS: True
The claim is supported by official 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline state performance reports. Read the full fact check below.
According to the MDMH’s April 2026 announcement, Mississippi’s 988 call centers achieved a 98% in-state response rate from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. The official 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline state performance reports for that period support the department’s claim that Mississippi ranked first in the nation for the measure.
“In our state, we truly need to give it up for our 988 call centers, who are now #1 in the nation for the in-state response rate,” said MDMH Executive Director Wendy Bailey.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline data measure the percentage of calls answered by crisis counselors within the caller’s home state before they are transferred to the national backup network. Calls transferred to the backup network are still answered by trained crisis counselors but may not connect callers with someone as familiar with local resources. The metric does not measure the quality of care provided during or after the call.
A separate analysis published by KFF, an independent, nonpartisan organization that researches health policy issues, examined official 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline state performance reports through May 2026. Although it covers a later reporting period than the state’s announcement, the analysis also placed Mississippi at the top nationally. KFF found Mississippi tied with Rhode Island for the nation’s highest in-state response rate at 99%.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
About “What Is True?”
The RHCJC “What Is True?” team of graduate investigators examines everything from viral online posts to local community rumors. If you have a question, submit it through the “What Is True?” inquiry form on the RHCJC website or call 855-IS-IT-TRU (855-474-8878).
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