MADISON, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Governor Evers announces millions of dollars in federal funding is going towards the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. $17 million is being awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which will then be directed to 988 operations. The federal funding comes from two grants.

Evers says the money will build the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline workforce, along with strengthening connections between the Lifeline, 9-1-1 centers, and county programs that serve people struggling with mental health.

According to Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, more than 91 thousand Wisconsinites made calls to 9-8-8 from July 2022 through September of this year.