An average of 84 people reach out to Idaho's Crisis and Suicide Hotline each day, seeking help for mental health challenges ranging from anxiety and depression to thoughts of suicide. So far in 2026, the hotline has assisted more than 15,000 callers, a 14% increase from the same period last year.

Officials with the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline attribute the increase in calls to greater public awareness of the 988 service, which provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day.

"It's good that more people are using it, but sad that people need it," said Jill Ainsworth, executive director of NAMI Coeur d'Alene.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness spent much of last year working to increase awareness of the hotline across North Idaho. Volunteers attended 17 community events, including Hayden Days, Pride in the Park and the Fourth of July parade, distributing flyers and stickers encouraging people to call 988 during a mental health crisis.

Their efforts appear to be making a difference.

"Mental health is not something people are anxious to talk about," Ainsworth said. "But it can affect anyone."

Awareness is especially important in Idaho, which continues to face significant mental health challenges. According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the state had the nation's fourth-highest suicide rate in 2023, at 1.6 times the national average. Mental Health America ranked Idaho 48th in the nation for access to mental health services in its 2025 report.

State officials cite rural isolation, low insurance coverage rates and a shortage of behavioral health professionals as key barriers to care. Ainsworth said those challenges are becoming more pronounced as North Idaho's population continues to grow.

She also believes stigma remains a major obstacle.

"People don't want to seek help because their insurance doesn't cover it, or it's too far away," Ainsworth said. "They just pull themselves up by their bootstraps and continue on their way. It's a proud community. They view mental illness as a failure."

As National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month approaches in September, NAMI is expanding its outreach efforts. The organization plans to send informational packets to public libraries across North Idaho and will host a series of monthly mental health lectures from September through December. The presentations will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at North Idaho College.

Ainsworth said one of the most important ways community members can help is by checking in on friends, family members and neighbors who may be struggling.

"It isn't always obvious when someone is in crisis," she said. "Part of it is really just taking note of your people and noticing them."

    NAMI Coeur d'Alene logo.