Henry County seeks to raise local 988 awareness

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Public Health launches a campaign to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

“Please help us spread the word about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline!” Public Health asks the public.

“It's a national campaign so there's national awareness but we just want to make sure that there is local awareness,” said Henry County Public Health’s Kelly Carr.

Beginning in July 2022, reaching the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline officially got easier as 988 became the new three-digit dialing code nationwide.

“This number is great because when they call or text 988 the people that are answering the phones are counselors that are able to help people in crisis,” Carr said.

Henry County Public Health asks businesses and public spaces that are willing to spread the word to reach out to their office by phone (319) 385-0779 or through their Facebook page.

We want to get these into any place that people are going to see them if they are in a waiting room or anywhere people can see them, we'd like to put them up,” Carr said. “If someone would like me to come and put posters up at a bulletin board they just need to give us a call or reach out to us on Facebook and we'll get them to them.”

Public Health offers 988 business cards with holders or 8.5x11 inch fliers to those interested.

“We want to help in some of the stigma and help people know that it’s OK to ask for help when they need it,” Carr said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com