The initiative is a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Administration. Officials said the signs are designed to provide immediate access to crisis support and encourage people experiencing mental health challenges to seek help. According to state health leaders, nearly one in four North Carolina residents struggles with their mental health.
Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 34 in the United States.
"Life is hard and people go into crisis, and there is nothing wrong with that," said Dr. Carrie Brown, Chief Psychiatrist for NCDHHS. "What we want people to know is there is someone waiting to talk to you 24/7. We have to get the word out about 988."
The new signage was unveiled Tuesday during a National 988 Day event at NCDHHS headquarters in Raleigh. State leaders said the signs will be installed in parking decks and other high-visibility locations where they can serve as a reminder that help is available at any time.
Officials said the campaign aims to make calling 988 for a mental health crisis as familiar as calling 911 during other emergencies. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a nationwide network of more than 200 state and local crisis centers that provides support for people experiencing mental health, substance use or suicidal crises.
The service offers specialized support for veterans and youth, Spanish-language counseling and direct video communication for callers fluent in American Sign Language. Kelly Crosbie, assistant secretary for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use services at NCDHHS, said officials are strategically placing signs in locations where they may have the greatest impact.
"We try to target high-risk areas where individuals are at higher risk or places where people go who are at high risk for self-harm," Crosbie said. "We have evidence that people who have seen the sign and called the number say it gave them hope."
State officials said the sign design will be available at no cost to organizations interested in printing and installing the signs in their own facilities. National 988 Day is an annual effort to raise awareness of the crisis hotline and encourage people to seek support when they need it.
This year's theme is: "Whatever you're facing, big or small, your reason for seeking support is reason enough."
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress, or thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 at any time to connect with trained counselors.