Starting in mid-July, the 988 dial code will go live nationally through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), "Moving to a 3-digit dialing code is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the Lifeline)" and that "SAMHSA views 988 as an opportunity to transform our country’s behavioral health crisis system to respond to anyone in need. The Lifeline accepts calls from anyone who is suicidal or in emotional distress, including substance use crisis." SAMHSA also noted that the 1-800 number for the Lifeline would remain active even after 988 becomes available.

The Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health (IDHS/DMH) was awarded a grant to plan for the implementation of 988 in Illinois. The IDHS 988 Planning Grant Team is developing coordination, capacity, funding, and communication strategies for the launching of 988.

The Illinois School and Campus Safety Program is pleased to announce the class "Understanding and Planning for School Bombing Incidents" will be held on February 16th from 8:30 am-12:30 pm via Zoom. The Understanding and Planning for School Bombing Incidents course is specifically tailored for prevention and response to school bombing incidents. For more information and to register, click here.

The Illinois School and Campus Safety Program is pleased to announce the class Digital Threat Assessment will be held on February 28th from 9:30 am-4:00 pm via Zoom. Digital Threat Assessment training will enable participants to establish a framework to better assess all threats by constructing and considering the digital baseline of a threat maker by locating, documenting, and evaluating social media data through a threat assessment lens. A significant portion of the day will be spent engaging in hands-on exercises on the most prevalent social media platforms and associated search applications. For more information and to register, click here.

Understanding and Planning for School

Bombing Incidents

Digital Threat Assessment

Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings

Advanced Digital Threat Assessment

Understanding and Planning for School

Bombing Incidents

Digital Threat Assessment

Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings

Advanced Digital Threat Assessment

For more information on these and other upcoming classes, contact Laura Black at le-black@wiu.edu or at 309-298-2646, or click here to see the upcoming events page.