Crawford County Expands 988 Lifeline Access and QPR Training in May

Context May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a period when public‑health agencies spotlight resources that connect people to care. In Crawford County, the health department is leveraging this moment to disseminate national and local tools that aim to reduce stigma and improve early intervention.

Key Facts - The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides round‑the‑clock call, text, and chat access to trained counselors. Users can reach help instantly, regardless of time or location. - QPR Training, offered through the county health department, teaches participants to spot warning signs, persuade a person to seek help, and refer them to professional services. The program is classified as evidence‑based, meaning randomized controlled trials have shown it increases participants’ confidence and actual referral rates. - Health Officer Sonya Lenzendorf emphasizes that awareness is the first step to care. She notes that sharing resources and normalizing conversation creates a supportive environment where residents feel comfortable asking for help. - Additional resources include CredibleMind, a free online portal for mental‑health information, and the Driftless Region Mental Health Coalition, a network of local partners working to reduce stigma.

What It Means Residents now have a single, memorable number—988—to contact counselors via phone, text, or chat at any hour. The inclusion of text and chat expands access for younger users and those who prefer written communication. By pairing the Lifeline with QPR Training, the county equips community members—not just professionals—to intervene early. Studies of QPR show that participants are up to 30 % more likely to refer someone in crisis, and that referrals often lead to timely professional treatment, a key factor in preventing suicide.

Practical takeaways: save the 988 number, explore the CredibleMind website for local support groups, and consider signing up for a QPR session through the health department. Simple actions—checking in on a neighbor, sharing the Lifeline contact, or completing a brief training—can create a ripple effect that strengthens the county’s safety net.

Looking ahead, the health department will track usage metrics for the 988 service and attendance at QPR workshops to gauge impact, with results expected later this year. Monitoring these data will guide future expansions of mental‑health infrastructure in Crawford County.