988 Day of Action 💛

988 Day is recognized annually on September 8 to raise awareness and generate positive buzz about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The goal is simple but powerful: to ensure people know that help is just three digits away—for themselves, or for someone they care about.

While working in Pittsburg, Kansas, I made it a personal mission to make sure everyone—from adults to elementary-aged children—knew what 988 was and what it could do.  I would often say:  “You may never need this resource—but someone you meet will. And you’ll be the one with the information that could save a life.”  My hope was to ask a child, “Do you know what 988 is?” and have them confidently answer.

In July 2022, Missouri and Kansas officially launched the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, joining a national network designed to provide fast, free, and confidential mental health support.  Before 988, the national suicide prevention line was 11 digits long—and I’ll be honest, I couldn’t have recited it from memory if asked. (By the way, that number still works if you have it saved.) But 988 is easy to remember, and that simplicity is powerful.  Just like we teach kids to call 911 when they break a bone, we can now teach them to call 988 when their mind is hurting.

And here’s a crucial point:

988 is not just for suicide prevention.  It’s for any mental health or emotional crisis—stress, anxiety, grief, panic, trauma, or anything that makes someone feel overwhelmed or unsafe.

Ok, let me nerd out for a minute…988 uses geo-routing.  That means when you call or text, your message is routed to a local crisis center based on your physical location—not your area code. Previously, the system used legacy area code routing, which meant someone in Kansas with a Florida number might get connected to the wrong state.  As a Midwesterner, I find comfort in knowing that the person on the other end of the line likely understands the regional stressors I may be facing—like rural isolation, farming-related challenges, or local resource gaps and let’s not forget the devastation that comes with the tornadoes.

One of the best features of 988 is how accessible it is:

• 📞 Call
• 💬 Text
• 💻 Chat online

All options connect you to a real person, in real time, who is trained to help.  I often challenge school counselors, teachers, and parents:  Text 988 yourself.

See how it works so you can confidently explain it to a student or loved one when the time comes.

Let’s be real:  Most people reading this post have known someone who has died by suicide.  As a clinician, I’ve personally lost patients, friends, and colleagues. And I’ve supported countless others who have attempted.  We cannot let fear stop us from reaching out. So here’s my strongest advice:  If you’re worried about someone, ask the question.

“Have you thought about ending your life?”

Yes, it’s uncomfortable. But it could open the door to help—and hope.  I would rather you misread the situation than regret never asking.  Do a quick Google search and find the tools that work for you.  

I love the five proven steps from:   BeThe1To.com

1.  ASK – Don’t avoid the question.

2.  BE THERE – Be present and listen.

3.  KEEP THEM SAFE – Reduce risks where possible.

4.  HELP THEM CONNECT – Guide them to resources like 988.

5.  FOLLOW UP – Stay in touch and check in.

There are other amazing free resources available online—stickers, posters, wallet cards—to keep this message visible in schools, offices, and communities.  So on this 988 Day – September 8, 2025, please share the message:  Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.  Because that’s exactly what 988 is about:  Empathy. Accessibility. Reliability.