Empowering Our Community: The Lifesaving Impact of the 988 Hotline

When we were kids, we were drilled on the importance of calling 911 in emergencies. Fire? Dial 911. Heart attack? Call 911. Major car accident or robbery? Again, it’s 911. This three-digit number is as ingrained in our minds as our own names. But what happens when the emergency isn’t as clear-cut?

Imagine someone who’s just lost their job or failed a big exam. To many, this might seem like a setback, but for the person experiencing it, it could feel catastrophic. The emotional turmoil might be so intense that they could even contemplate taking their own life. When the emergency is emotional or psychological, there is a lifeline available: 988.

So, what exactly is 988? It’s the number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, individuals in distress can connect with trained crisis counselors who offer support in a variety of ways. Whether you need someone to listen, guidance on accessing resources, or immediate crisis intervention, 988 is there to help.

My name is Abbie Shepard, and I recently founded the “Do It For Hunter – Suicide Awareness and Prevention” chapter at the Honors College. This chapter is an extension of a nonprofit organization founded in my hometown by a mother who tragically lost her son to suicide while he was a student at UCF. This nonprofit is dedicated to preventing suicide by spreading awareness about crucial resources like the 988 hotline. We aim to foster a community where kindness, support, and self-worth are at the forefront. We believe that by sharing information and creating opportunities for engagement, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.

This semester, we hope to host a few events to engage with our local community and spread the word about 988 as well as positive messages to show the value of self-worth. I believe this is extremely important because, according to the CDC, suicide is the #2 cause of death in individuals between the ages of 15-24. By raising awareness, we hope to offer support to students and anyone in crisis, potentially saving lives and preventing tragedies.

I invite you to join us in our mission. If interested, feel free to email me at ashepard2023@fau.edu. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can make a difference by ensuring that everyone knows about this crucial resource and that they are valued, loved, and not alone.

References: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/topics/suicide.htm