On December 10, a highly engaging webinar titled Spreading Hope: Missouri’s 988 Community Awareness and Engagement Initiative & Insights from Evaluation Data brought together mental health advocates, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the progress and impact of Missouri's statewide 988 awareness campaign.
Since its national launch in 2022, 988 has become a vital lifeline for those experiencing mental health crises. Presenters Casey Muckler and Kailey Reeves from the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) spoke about how the DMH has taken a proactive approach to ensure the state's residents understand and utilize this critical resource. Through a comprehensive statewide awareness campaign, DMH has worked tirelessly to spread the word about 988, emphasizing its accessibility and importance for anyone in need. And Liz Sale from the Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH) explained the survey, focus groups, and results found after these comprehensive awareness campaigns were rolled out.
Key Highlights from the Webinar
Proactive Awareness Campaigns
The Missouri 988 team has launched targeted educational initiatives to increase awareness and understanding of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. These efforts aim to ensure that every Missourian knows how to access 988, whether for themselves or someone they care about.
Evaluating Impact with Data
To ensure these messages resonate with communities across Missouri, DMH partnered with the Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH) to evaluate the effectiveness of their outreach. Through surveys and focus groups, they measured awareness, knowledge, and usage of 988. These evaluation efforts provided invaluable insights into how Missourians perceive 988 and the campaign’s reach.
Community Engagement in St. Louis
One particularly inspiring webinar segment highlighted the work of a passionate group in St. Louis dedicated to saturating their community with messages of hope and awareness about 988. This grassroots effort showcases the power of local engagement and the collective impact of individuals committed to making a difference.
Lessons Learned
The webinar revealed several important takeaways:
- Tailored Messaging: Understanding the unique needs and perceptions of different communities is essential for effective outreach.
- Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships between state organizations, mental health institutions, and local groups amplify impact.
- Evaluation Drives Improvement: Continuous feedback and data collection help refine strategies and maximize results.
Looking Ahead
The progress made by the Missouri 988 team demonstrates the profound impact that awareness and education can have in promoting mental health resources. By spreading messages of hope and ensuring access to 988, they empower individuals and save lives across the state.
This webinar was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation, and compassion in addressing mental health needs. As the Missouri 988 team continues their work, their efforts serve as a model for other states aiming to spread hope and awareness through the 988 initiative.
You can access the materials and the webinar recording on the PPGA website.