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County’s Suicide Prevention Coalition to Host Virtual Meeting to Raise Awareness of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Montgomery County will recognize 988 Day on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with a virtual event to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential support to people experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide-related crisis. The 2026 national campaign is focused on “988 Reasons,” emphasizing that there are many reasons to reach out for support.
Anyone can call or text 988 or use the online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The service is available to people experiencing a crisis, those who are concerned about someone else, or anyone who needs emotional support. In Montgomery County, EveryMind administers the local 988 service.
“988 is there for people when they are going through a difficult time and need someone to listen,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Sometimes, people just need to know that they are not alone and that there is someone they can turn to. When someone is in crisis, getting help should be simple and immediate. I want our residents to know that 988 is available, that there are caring, trained people on the other end of the line, and that it is OK to reach out when you need help.”
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988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to increasing awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and encouraging people to seek support when they need it.
The County’s Local Behavioral Health Authority (LBHA) will host a virtual meeting of the Suicide Prevention Coalition at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Ariel Gordon, director of Montgomery County’s 988 hotline with EveryMind, will discuss 988 and how the service has helped the community. The meeting is free and open to the public, offering an opportunity to learn more about 988 and suicide prevention.
To attend the free Suicide Prevention Coalition virtual meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8, click on this TEAMS link: Suicide Prevention Coalition Sept. 8 Meeting.
Resources for Support
Residents experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide-related crisis can find support through:
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- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or use the online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Montgomery County Crisis Center: Call 240-777-4000 24 hours a day for crisis intervention, assessment, and referrals.
- Maryland Behavioral Health Administration 988 Newsletter: Sign up for the quarterly 988 Newsletter for information and resources about the 988 service.
Additional information is available on the LBHA webpage of the County’s website.
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Read the original article at mcgov
