Kane County Health Department hosts 988 Suicide Hotline Awareness drive-through event
The Kane County Health Department invites the community to attend its “Safe Kane County” drive-through pickup, scheduled for Friday, April 25.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kane County Circuit Clerk parking lot located at 540 S. Randall Road in St. Charles.
This initiative kicks off the health department’s “988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline” awareness campaign which aims to increase community understanding of the “988 Lifeline,” reduce stigma around mental health and suicide, and connect individuals in crisis with immediate, confidential support.
At the event, community members can pick up “988” yard signs, window clings and bumper stickers for placement at homes, businesses and organizations in Kane County — without getting out of their cars.
“Our hope is that every person in our community knows that help is just three digits away,” said Michael Isaacson, executive director of the Kane County Health Department. “By spreading the word about 988, we can reach more people, start important conversations, and ensure that no one feels alone in a moment of crisis.”
Those who pick up the materials are encouraged to take a photo with their “988” sign, share it on their social media platforms and tag the Kane County Health Department to let their friends and family know that support is always available.
The health department also will have gun trigger locks, biometric gun safes, and the opioid overdose-reversing nasal spray, naloxone, available for free while supplies last. No ID or prescription is required, but gun owners must show a valid FOID card to receive a free biometric gun safe.
The event aligns with the health department’s recently launched campaign, “Connect with Kane: Learn, Grow, Thrive,” a yearlong effort aimed at raising awareness about the importance of mental health and facilitating access to local mental health and substance use resources.
For more information about the event and other mental health resources, visit www.kanehealth.com or follow KCHD on Facebook or Instagram.