Suicide Prevention Hotlines Report 50 Percent Increase In Calls Following Logic’s VMAs performance

Logic’s inspiring VMAs performance of “1-800-273-8255,” a song about the rapper’s own struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, reportedly prompted a 50-percent uptick in calls to suicide prevention hotlines.

The rapper’s performance on Sunday’s VMAs was trying to raise awaress of mental health issues. Logic, Khalid and Alessia Cara were surrounded by suicide attempt survivors.

Watch the moving performance below:

“It’s not just about the calls,” John Draper, director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, tells CNN about Logic’s VMAs showing. “It’s about increasing awareness about suicide, and suicide prevention in particular. The calls don’t even begin to count the number of people who, just by listening to the song and hearing the lyrics, feel more hopeful and less alone.”

“This past year, our audience was forced to say goodbye to musicians too soon because of suicide,” says the VMAs’ executive producer Garret English. “We want to do more than remember these artists. We want to remind people that suicide is preventable and that there are ways to get help and feel better if you’re struggling emotionally.”