Join DMH for a 988 Messaging Focus Group – Dates Still Available
Beginning July 16, 2022, across Illinois, we will join in using the 988 dialing code. 988 will be the new three-digit number for calls in multiple languages, connecting people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. People can use 988 if they are having thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
| LGBTQIA+ (July 14, 2:30-3:30pm CT)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Plus |
| BIPOC (July 14, 1-2pm CT)
Black, Indigenous, Person of Color |
| Youth (July 20, 3:30-4:30pm CT)
Ages 8-12 |
| Teen (July 20, 2-3pm CT)
Ages 13-17 |
| Young Adults (July 21, 3-4pm CT)
Ages 18-25 |
| Older Adults (July 15, 1-2pm CT)
Ages 50 and better |
| Farmers/Rural Community (July 29, 12:30-1:30pm CT) |
| Immigrant/Refugee Community (Aug 24, 11am-12pm CT) |
| Spanish-Speaking Community (July 22, 1-2pm CT) |
| Persons with a Disability(ies) (July 13, 1-2pm CT)
Any disability (physical, mental, cognitive, and more) |
| Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafblind Community (July 15, 9:30am-11:30am CT) |
Who is eligible? Individuals with lived experience; their family members, friends, and/or loved ones; any concerned individuals who are a part of or identify in at least one of the following:
Important Note: Volunteers are NOT required to have lived experience. Volunteers are NOT required to disclose any lived experience. A volunteer can be in multiple focus groups, if the volunteer identifies as part of more than one of the identities above (e.g. a Latinx 52-year-old man can participate in both the BIPOC and the Older Adults group).
How will the information be used? We will ask questions about how to best share information about 988 within the diverse communities in our state. Any comments you make will be used to further the planning of the 988 Public Messaging Campaign in Illinois.
Duration and Dates: Focus groups will last about one hour and will be held on the dates listed next to each group.
Interested volunteers, please email:
Jessena Williams, LCSW – Jessena.Williams@illinois.gov
Matthew Wells- Matthew.wells@illinois.gov
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=145155