# Staffing Shortages, Unanswered Calls At D.C.’s Crisis Hotline

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/city-cast-dc-5592992/staffing-shortages-unanswered-calls-at-d-c-s-crisis-hotline
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/city-cast-dc-5592992/staffing-shortages-unanswered-calls-at-d-c-s-crisis-hotline.md
Podcast: [City Cast DC](https://stenobird.com/podcast/city-cast-dc-5592992)
Published: 2026-09-03T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pdst.fm/e/pdrl.fm/412b92/traffic.megaphone.fm/CC6502116479.mp3
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/pdrl.fm/412b92/traffic.megaphone.fm/CC6502116479.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/city-cast-dc-5592992/episodes/staffing-shortages-unanswered-calls-at-d-c-s-crisis-hotline
Duration seconds: 987

## Resource

City Cast’s Alyssa Fowers has done some important reporting about problems at D.C.’s 988 suicide-prevention call line. In the spring, nearly half the calls went unanswered. What’s going on? And what does it mean for people in crisis? Alyssa is here to talk us through the numbers. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or chatting online at https://chat.988lifeline.org/. To reach the Crisis Text Line, text HOME or HOLA to 741741. D.C.’s Access Helpline is also available at 1-888-793-4357. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ‪(202) 642-2654‬. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: Tasti District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

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## Transcript

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