Westmont, Illinois – Date Issued: April 6, 2023
Last year, the U.S. introduced 988 as the new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline phone number. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Facts
- Too many people are experiencing a suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need - the 988 Lifeline provides this support.
- DuPage County Health Department staffs highly trained counselors who provide free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress 24/7.
- The 988 Lifeline helps thousands of struggling people overcome suicidal crisis or mental-health-related distress every day.
This week is National Public Health Week (NPHW) and the theme is Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health. Connection to community and culture impacts our health and well-being. Working together makes it easier for communities to access public health resources needed to achieve the highest level of health.
Each year, one in five Americans will experience mental illness. Mental health is public health. Prevention, early detection, and treatment of mental health conditions can lead to improved physical and community health.
In 2020, the United States had one death by suicide every 11 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-14 and 25-34. Also, from April 2020 to 2021, more than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses. Studies have shown that after speaking with a trained crisis counselor, most Lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, please call 988. For more information, please visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website at 988lifeline.org. You may also reach out and connect with a Crisis Counselor by texting the word HOME to 741741. Additional information can be found on their website at crisistextline.org.
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