Vibrant Emotional Health and SAMHSA Announce 988 Day on September 8 to Promote Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Media Contact:
Divendra Jaffar, [email protected]
NEW YORK, NY – September 4, 2024 –Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), the administrator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline), funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is excited to announce the inaugural celebration of 988 Day on September 8, 2024. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the 988 Lifeline and emphasizing the importance of mental health and suicide prevention across the nation. The theme for this year, “No Judgment. Just Help,” underscores our commitment to providing non-judgmental support to all those in need.
Since the 988 Lifeline transitioned to a three-digit number in July 2022, it has answered over 10 million calls, texts, and chats, connecting people in crisis to life-saving resources. In 2023, the 988 Lifeline expanded its services to better serve diverse communities by introducing Spanish text and chat, an LGBTQI+ Subnetwork for youth and young adults under 25, and an ASL videophone for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Dr. Tia Dole, Chief 988 Lifeline Officer at Vibrant Emotional Health, emphasized the significance of 988 Day, stating: “988 Day is an opportunity to remind everyone that mental health support is just a call, text, or chat away. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, there’s no judgment—just help. Our goal is to ensure that everyone knows about 988 and feels empowered to reach out for support whenever they need it.”
To celebrate 988 Day, SAMHSA and Vibrant Emotional Health encourage communities, organizations, and individuals to participate in the following ways:
- Access the Digital Toolkit: Utilize various digital and printed materials designed for 988 Day, including resources for different audiences such as faith-based communities, to spread awareness about 988, suicide prevention, and mental health.
- Plan Your Activities: organize activities that promote the theme “No Judgment. Just Help.” This is a great chance to share the message and encourage others to get involved creatively.
- Share on Social Media: On 9/8, join the movement by using the hashtag #988day to share your activities and how you’re promoting awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We thank our collaborators who are confirmed to celebrate 988 Day: 10th Street Entertainment/Papa Roach, Association for Behavioral Health & Wellness (ABHW), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, April Simpkins, Bark, Brightside Health, Brixmor Property Group, Calm Strips, Continental Realty Corporation, Genesys, Drew Robinson, Dr. Judith Joseph, Kaiser Permanente, Kimco Realty Group, Kite Realty Group, Krista Hinrichs, MosaicX, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Peterson Companies, Phillips Edison & Company, Regency Centers, ShopOne Centers, ShopCore Properties, Stamp Out Stigma, Sterling Organization, SuccessKPI, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, The Defensive Line, Urban Edge Properties, and several federal partners.
For more information about 988 Day and to access the digital toolkit, visit samhsa.gov/find-help/988/newsroom/988-day. To learn more about Vibrant Emotional Health and our mission, visit vibrant.org
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About Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional well-being. For over 55 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support when, where, and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading-edge telephone, text, and web-based technologies, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Disaster Distress Helpline, Veterans Crisis Line, and NFL Life Line. Through our community wellness programs, individuals and families obtain the support and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental well-being as a social responsibility. We help millions of people live healthier and more vibrant lives yearly. We’re advancing access, dignity, and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. Follow Vibrant on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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