Madison Veri, 23, of Fenelton, works with a caller Wednesday at the Center for Community Resources in Butler. Veri, a student at Pennsylvania Western University studying clinical mental health counseling, said her work at the center has helped her studies. Carey Shaffer/Butler Eagle

Those answering the suicide prevention hotline at the Center for Community Resources often speak with people at their lowest point emotionally — some find themselves feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, and others are experiencing addiction or homelessness.

But over the last month, the receptionists have also picked up the phone to many curious callers across the nation who wanted to see what the 988 number was all about.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline became the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on July 16, offering a three-digit substitute to the 1-800-273-TALK phone line.

“We have more people calling wondering what the line is,” said Katie Doerr, director of programs at CCR in Butler.

The Center for Community Resources, which manages 988’s calls, received nearly 2,900 total calls in July.

Ryann Swartout, 30, of Butler, helps a person over the phone Wednesday. Swartout has worked with the Center for Community Resources in Butler as a crisis team leader for six years. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle

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