Thousands of calls are being abandoned as Texas’s suicide hotline faces a $7 million funding deficit, according to a new report from The Texas Tribune. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The state’s 988 suicide had the nation’s fifth highest rate of abandoned calls in August, the latest data available, amid a multi-million funding deficit that could worsen as federal dollars expire this year.

Between January and August of last year, more than 20,000 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline callers in Texas hung up over delays as call centers struggled under a $7 million shortfall.Since launching in 2022,

Thousands of Texans in need are abandoning the state’s suicide hotline mid-call every month as call centers struggle under a $7 million funding deficit and a growing suicide rate statewide.