Youth suicide deaths drop nearly 11% after 988 rollout, as NC mother turns loss into advocacy
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A new study is offering hopeful news in the fight against youth suicide, finding deaths among young people dropped nearly 11% nationwide after the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
But behind those numbers are families who know the crisis all too well -- including one North Carolina mother turning unimaginable grief into action.
For Darkita, photos of her daughter Jasmine are among the few places she can still see her smile.
"She is my mini-me," she said.
Behind that smile, Jasmine, 15, was struggling with abuse, bullying and depression. She died in 2023.
"It's a hard pill to swallow," Darkita said. "I blame myself... I feel like I wasn't there for her when she needed me."
She said mental health was rarely discussed when she was growing up.
"(With) my upbringing, we didn't acknowledge mental health at all," she said.
Now, she emphasizes how important it is for young people to feel heard.
"I want the next Jasmine... to be able to actually speak their mind without getting any negative feedback," she said.
Since 2022, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has provided a simple, three-digit way for people in crisis to get help.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that since the hotline's rollout, suicide deaths among Americans ages 15 to 34 dropped nearly 11% below projections. Researchers estimate more than 4,300 fewer young people died by suicide between July 2022 and December 2024.
Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator Isley Cotton said stories like Jasmine's highlight the need for continued awareness and resources across North Carolina.
"All those things I wish I had, I want to be there for our youth and for their families," Cotton said.
Cotton said more than 6,500 calls to 988 came from North Carolina teens ages 13 to 17 between April 2025 and March 2026 -- reaching young people during moments when they may feel completely alone.
"We're trending down... We're doing really good," she said. "But we still have to do more."
She said warning signs are often present and encouraged families to pay attention.
"Check on 'SAM'," Cotton said. "I'm referring to four things sleep, appetite, mood and behavior. If you're beginning to notice changes in those things, say something."
About two and a half years after losing her daughter, Darkita said Jasmine's story is shaping how she supports other young people, including through a foundation in her daughter's honor.
"I pay attention more, and I want to know more. I want to help more," she said. "I was just focused on my daughter, but now is like, I have all these daughters now that needs help."
Her goal, she said, is to make sure other families do not have to experience the same loss.
If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org or dial the current toll free number 800-273-8255.
