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Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board's Prevention Coalition is expanding awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through a unique community outreach campaign. Beginning in June and continuing throughout July, committee members are delivering custom 988 coasters to local taverns and other establishments that serve alcoholic beverages across Ashtabula County.
The idea for the campaign was inspired by a similar initiative in Lorain County. Recognizing the opportunity to reach individuals in places they may not typically encounter mental health resources, the committee adapted the concept to help spread awareness of the free, confidential 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The campaign is designed to broaden community awareness of 988 while also serving as a meaningful reminder that no one has to face life's challenges alone. Alcohol can intensify feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness for some individuals. By placing the coasters directly in local establishments, the coalition hopes that someone who may be struggling—or someone who notices a friend in distress—will see the message and know that help is available.
The coasters emphasize that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects callers and texters with compassionate, trained crisis counselors who provide confidential support without judgment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Prevention Coalition extends its appreciation to the owners and staff of participating establishments who have partnered in this effort by providing the coasters to patrons. Together, these businesses are helping spread an important message throughout the community: you are never alone, and help is only three numbers away.
The coasters campaign was made possible by grant G28RH46290 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HRSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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