Nearly 3 years after launch of 988 suicide lifeline, underfunding threatens call centers' mission

It has been nearly three years since the launch of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and since then, millions seeking help have used the call center as a life-saving resource. But understaffing and underfunding threaten to upend the hotline's mission.

The nation's 988 hotline works like 911, bringing critical access to care for those battling mental health emergencies. Counselor Alejandra Varga takes calls at the nation's largest suicide prevention center — Los Angeles' Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. That one center receives 20,000 calls and texts a month.

Varga said they became a counselor because they have "personal experience with suicidal thoughts."