Monday, Sept. 8, marks the second annual observation of 988 Day. Activities planned for the day focus on raising awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This year’s theme — “Compassionate help. Anytime. Anywhere.” — celebrates the heart of 988: empathy, accessibility and reliability.

Nationally, more than 15,000 counselors work across the 988 network to provide support to those experiencing emotional distress, loneliness, mental health challenges and more. In West Virginia, First Choice Services answers 988 calls, chats and texts. Since the introduction of the three-digit access point, 988, three years ago, the Lifeline has experienced a threefold surge in volume.

“It’s working,” said Rozanna Bracken, director of 988 programs for First Choice Services. “Individuals who once may have not known how to get help can easily remember ‘988.’ They reach out to us and our team is here, ready to listen and support. We see a lot of successes every day.”

Last year, the center received more than 30,000 contacts for help. In addition to serving West Virginians, First Choice Services also operates a national backup center, ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered. About 100 trained crisis counselors work around the clock to provide immediate, compassionate care.

When asked how the agency was celebrating 988 Day, Bracken replied, “We just posted a great video that our crisis counselors made, ‘10 Reasons to Call 988,’ to our WV988 Facebook page. We also launched a campaign encouraging first responders to add 988 bumper magnets to their service vehicles. Most importantly, we will be at work answering those in crisis.”

Anyone in crisis or who has suicidal thoughts can call, text or chat 988 24 hours a day.