Following last month’s newsletter article, the Nevada 988 rebranding campaign has already received encouraging responses from veterans or their family members willing to share their stories. Organizers are hoping to keep that momentum going! Veterans and their family members are still sought to volunteer to help and reshape awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for the veteran community. By sharing personal experiences and perspective, volunteers can help ensure the campaign reflects authentic voices and reaches those who may need support the most.

Background

The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) is launching an important initiative to rebrand the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to make it Nevada-specific. The re-brand will launch in September. The crisis line will be known as Nevada 988, with messaging designed to better connect Nevadans, including veterans, to lifesaving support.

DPBH is working in partnership with the marketing/PR agency, the Estipona Group. As part of this effort, they are seeking veterans, military members, and their families who are willing to share their stories about suicide prevention, reaching out for help, supporting others, or the importance of calling or texting 988 during a time of crisis.

What they are looking for:

• Veterans or family members willing to provide short testimonials.
• Individuals open to being featured in social media, digital content, or billboard campaigns.
• Stories that highlight hope, recovery, support, or the importance of reaching out.
• Participation is voluntary and NOT PAID, but it can make a difference in helping others to seek help when it matters the most!

This could include:

• A veteran who has personally used 988 or another crisis resource.
• A veteran who supports others through difficult times.
• A family member who understands the importance of connection and intervention.
• Anyone willing to share a message encouraging others to reach out before a crisis escalates.

988 connects individuals to trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Veterans remain at higher risk for suicide than the public. Hearing directly from fellow veterans can reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.

If you know a veteran or family member who may be willing to participate, or if you are interested, please reach out to:

Paige Lampert at paige@estiponagroup.com  or Nicole Dion at nicole@estiponagroup.com

Jesse Stone is your contact at DPBH at j.stone@health.nv.gov

This is an opportunity to potentially save lives by encouraging veterans to reach out when they need help! Please feel free to share this word!