WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new online data tool that tracks crisis calls in Washington has gone live.

The Washington State Department of Health debuted its 988 in Washington dashboard earlier this week.

It analyzes where crisis calls were made to the 988 hotline per county, and if people contacted the hotline through a call or text.

Between August 2024 and September 2026, Whatcom County residents made over 20,000 calls to 988, one of the highest rates in the state.

Peak activity was noted in October 2025, which specifically saw a spike in contacts to the Veterans Crisis Line.

July, August and September of this year also saw upticks in calls to 988 from Whatcom County, with nearly 1,000 calls made in July alone.

988 was established as a nationwide suicide and crisis hotline in 2020, and can reroute callers to local crisis centers for better support.

A full list of comprehensive mental and behavioral support is available on Whatcom County’s website.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide/mental health, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.