Highlighting 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline during suicide prevention awareness month

The following was included in a recent press release from the Minnesota Department of Health.

In observation of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, health officials are reminding Minnesotans that suicide is preventable, recovery is possible, and help is available at any time by calling 988.

Earlier this summer, the U.S. rolled out a nationwide three-digit dialing code – 988 – as a way to access suicide prevention and crisis support. Since switching to 988 on July 16, 2022, calls to Minnesota’s four call centers have increased 44%. Minnesota has also seen a 173% increase in web chats (since January 2022) and 250% increase in texts to 988.

The increase is believed to be in large part because the new 988 dialing option made it easier to remember how to access a trained counselor for suicide support and resources. Minnesota received 33,887 calls, 4,099 chats, and 1,306 texts in 2021.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Minnesota’s four call centers offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There continues to be a great need for 988 support services as suicide, or death by intentional self-harm, has been steadily rising in Minnesota for the past 20 years.

According to preliminary data, there were 777 suicides in 2021, mirroring trends across the United States. This is the seventh straight year in which more than 700 Minnesotans died by suicide. In addition, each year in Minnesota there are more than 10,000 self-harm or suicidal injuries treated by health care providers.

“We know the last few years have been incredibly challenging mentally, emotionally and physically for many Minnesotans,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcom. “Please take advantage of this awareness month to check in with the people in your life and consider reminding them that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for anyone in need of crisis or mental health support.”

Local leaders, community organizations and employers can take steps to prevent suicide:

• Share resources on 988 and other crisis services.
• Bring suicide prevention training to your school, faith community, workplace, or other community.
• Share suicide prevention messages and resources through social media. The Suicide Prevention Awareness Month messaging toolkit can help you get started.
• Promote other programs within the community that encourage positive healthy activities and places for connection.

Minnesota’s four 988 call centers are Carver County Health and Human Services, Mental Health Crisis Program; First Call; FirstLink; and Greater Twin Cities United Way.

Mental health support in Olmsted County

The Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC) is a mental health emergency resource located at 2121 Campus Drive Southeast in Rochester. According to a release from SERCC, they are seeing the impact depression and anxiety are taking on those in our community. To date, SERCC has completed over 1,000 screenings of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

SERCC also invites you to join their National Alliance on Mental Illness Southeastern Minnesota partner’s NAMIWalk on September 24, 2022 at Silver Lake Park at 770 West Silver Lake Drive NE in Rochester. Registration starts at 9 a.m. with a presentation and walk starting at 10 a.m.