Campaign in Louisiana to raise awareness about mental health hotline

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Louisiana Department of Health launched a new campaign for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention lifeline.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and the third leading cause for those ages 15-24.

“Together, we can help to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment and services. We can do so by starting the conversation. Talk about it. And, remember: It’s OK to not be OK,” said Karen Stubbs, assistant secretary of the LDH Office of Behavioral Health. “Your feelings are valid and you are not alone.”

The department launched a new dashboard to provide crisis call data metrics from two Louisiana crisis centers. Along with the dashboard, over 75 radio stations will make public service announcements in English and Spanish, promoting the 988 lifeline and dashboard, according to a news release from Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office.

“Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to recommit to raising awareness about the importance of mental health in the lives of all Louisianans,” said Edwards. “The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available to anyone in mental health distress. If you’re depressed, going through a hard time, thinking about suicide or just need to talk, 988 is for you. 988 is for all of us.”

Click here for more about the hotline.