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In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month, The Wellness Council of Greater Colorado Valley is conducting an awareness campaign throughout Colorado County. The focus is to get the word out, particularly about the 988 National Hotline that is available 24/7 at no cost to anyone who calls.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
People can call or text 988 or chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Website for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Vibrant Emotional Health, administrator of 988, requires any entity providing 988 services to be certified, accredited, or licensed by an external body, have written policies or guidelines addressing referral, training and suicide risk assessment, and be willing to participate in evaluation activities.
The Wellness Council is providing flyers, posters and 988 car magnets, all of which will be distributed throughout the county, churches and businesses. All these items will be available at the second Thursday general meeting, Sept. 12 at 12 p.m., at the Colorado County Courthouse, first floor courtroom.
The public is always invited to attend these informative and educational meetings. The speaker for September is Psychologist Dr. Ken Buckle, Executive Director of Gratia Plena Counseling that has recently opened an office in Columbus; he will speak on suicide and be available to answer questions from the audience.
