As most residents know, the Weston Fire Department helps with more than getting cats out of trees (actually they almost never get that call) and fighting fires (keep an eye on those firepits in this drought). The Owl learns stuff all the time from their excellent Facebook communications page–yes, they are probably on Twitter and Instagram too, but this Gen X can barely handle Facebook. Recent posts have been about generator safety, what to do in a fire, and news about road shutdowns due to accidents. This Owl highly recommends following their social media, in whichever format you chooose.

Yesterday, the Fire Department posted that as of today, July 16, there is a new three-digit dialing code “988” that will route callers to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. I did not know this–did you? While the Owl is always hopeful that you will never need to use it, the fact is that mental health in this country is not getting better any time soon. So here’s the info, and thanks to the Weston Fire Department:

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please dial this easy-to-remember number “988” to be connected with the best help. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources as necessary.

The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.

There are no jokes to make here. The Owl lost a high school friend to suicide–my guess is that everyone knows someone. Please get yourself or your loved ones help if you need it.

For more information, see the website here: https://988lifeline.org/.