Gov. Jared Polis officially proclaimed Monday, Sept. 8, as 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day in celebration of the crisis line established in 2022.

“Our work to ensure every Coloradan has access to high-quality health care includes access to necessary mental health support. 988 Colorado is an important resource for many Coloradans and remains a critical part of Coloradans’ health care network, helping us to thrive. I encourage Coloradans to call 988 if you need support,” Polis said in a press release.

The 988 lifeline went live in July of 2022, providing both phone and text support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The free phone number is connected to a national network of local contact centers offering assistance to people feeling overwhelmed or experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

Polis’ Friday proclamation falls in line with September’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to highlight the resources available within a state, especially after 20.83 suicide deaths per 100,000 people in Colorado last year, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The 911-like system was federally mandated by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020. Each state has a contact center that puts callers in contact with live specialists, combining the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Veterans Crisis Line under a 3-digit alias.

“988 Colorado is more than a phone number. It’s a movement to build a culture of mental health support across our state,” said 988 Colorado Director Gordon Coombes.

Along with the new dedicated day, 988 Colorado will be attending and holding various events throughout the area for the month.

These events include:

• Sept. 6: 988 Colorado will have a pop-up 988 Radio Lounge with special appearances by Colorado State University (CSU) student athletes to engage with people at the Rams first home game.
• Sept. 6: 988 Colorado and Southern Ute Behavioral Health will host the 988 Youth Skatedeck Art Paint Party from 12 to 4 p.m.
• Sept. 7: 988 Colorado will support Fiestas Patrias at Arapahoe Park, a community event with booths, food and live music from 11 a.m. to 7: p.m.
• Sept. 8: 988 Colorado will mark 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day with a social media video campaign sharing voices from around the state about why mental health matters and why 988 Colorado is so important.
• Sept.13: 988 Colorado will support the community at Denver’s Out of Darkness Walk at Berkeley Lake Park starting at 9:00 a.m. This family-friendly event raises awareness for suicide prevention and honors lives lost to suicide.