Montgomery County will recognize 988 Day on Tuesday, September 8, with a virtual event aimed at raising awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the resources available to residents experiencing a crisis.
The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicide-related crisis. Residents can call or text 988 or use the online chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The service is also available to people concerned about someone else or those who simply need emotional support.
This year’s national 988 Day campaign is centered on the theme “988 Reasons,” highlighting the many reasons someone may choose to reach out for support. In Montgomery County, the local 988 service is administered by EveryMind.
“988 is there for people when they are going through a difficult time and need someone to listen,” County Executive Marc Elrich said. “Sometimes, people just need to know that they are not alone and that there is someone they can turn to.”
As part of the recognition, the County’s Local Behavioral Health Authority will host a virtual meeting of the Suicide Prevention Coalition at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Ariel Gordon, director of Montgomery County’s 988 hotline with EveryMind, will discuss the service and its impact in the community. The meeting is free and open to the public.
In addition to 988, the Montgomery County Crisis Center can be reached 24 hours a day at 240-777-4000 for crisis intervention, assessments and referrals.
