September is Suicide Prevention Month, an opportunity to raise awareness, share resources and encourage more open conversations about mental health.
It’s also a chance to share something we hope more people come to know about 988: You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out.
Stress. Loneliness. Grief. A hard day. Concern for someone you love. Whatever’s on your mind, 988 is there to listen.
That’s why much of our ongoing work with the Oregon Health Authority is focused not just on helping people know what 988 is, but making sure they encounter it in ways that feel relevant to their lives.
Showing up in more places
This year, that’s taken us into some new spaces (and some familiar ones, too).
A new round of 988 Oregon advertising is reaching people across the state, while recent news coverage is helping bring 988 into the broader conversation.
But making 988 more familiar also means finding ways for the message to show up beyond traditional advertising.
We’ve worked alongside youth and the Oregon Department of Education on 988 posters designed for schools, along with a youth zine that doubles as a coloring book, giving young people a different way to explore information about 988.
We’re also looking for ways to reach people who may experience unique pressures through the organizations and communities they already know and trust. That includes outreach to organizations serving high-stress industries and 988 banners at select rodeos across Oregon.
And on September 8 (988 Day), we’re lighting Portland’s Morrison Bridge in Suicide Prevention Month’s signature purple and teal: a bright reminder in the middle of our city that support is here.
The common thread isn’t any one poster, banner or bridge. It’s creating more opportunities for people to hear about 988 as a resource before they need it.
We can all help make support easier to find
Suicide prevention can feel like a big, complicated issue. But supporting the people around us can start in everyday ways.
Check in with someone you care about. Learn more about 988 so you know what to expect. Share resources with a friend, coworker or family member. If someone is having a hard time, remind them they don’t have to wait for things to get worse before asking for support.
And that includes you, too.
If something is weighing on you or you’re worried about someone else, you can call or text 988 or chat online at 988Oregon.org.
