Local Elected Officials Invite Residents to Unpack the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on Jan. 20

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, will welcome 988 call takers and behavioral health experts to explain the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and its impact at an in-person and virtual event scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Friendship Community Place, located at 5150 Northwest Highway in Chicago.

988 went live in July 2022 and awareness for this critical resource and alternative to 911 is still growing. Although national in coverage, the locally operated lifeline provides people in crisis – or anyone who might need support – with real-time support from trained professionals. Support can be accessed by phone, by chat and in multiple languages.

“Many in Illinois are working hard to improve access to mental health support so with this event, we aim to educate Illinoisans about this new resource available to residents of all ages who need help,” LaPointe said. “I’m excited to welcome professionals who are engaging in this essential work to take us behind the scenes of 988 so we can get familiar and comfortable before we need this lifesaving resource. The heartbreaking reality is that suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in Illinois for ages 10-34 and the 11th leading cause of death nationwide. We must raise awareness of 988 because it’s a proven way to deliver immediate support that can save lives.”

“I am proud to co-sponsor this event with Representative LaPointe and Commissioner Degnen to highlight the important service that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides,” State Sen. Rob Martwick said. “I’m also grateful for the efforts of behavioral health professionals and 988 call takers and hope you will join us at this event to hear from them and learn how you can inform others of this crucial service.”

“The implementation of the 988 service has the opportunity to dramatically improve mental health assistance to millions of Illinois residents,” Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen said. “Equally important to its creation and roll out is ensuring that the public is aware of this option and how to use it. Additionally, 988 ensures that individuals who may not feel as comfortable using 911 now have an option to receive help from professionals who are dedicated to helping those in mental health situations.”

Participants will hear an overview of 988 from behavioral health professionals, hear from 988 call takers directly and learn about adult mobile crisis work from Northwest Side provider Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI). Residents can RSVP to attend in-person or virtually at https://bit.ly/48i6fpL.

For more information, please contact Info@RepLaPointe.com or 773-647-1174.

Who: State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, behavioral health experts, 988 professionals

What: Unpack the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

When: Saturday, Jan. 20; 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 5150 Northwest Highway, Chicago