In a move to bolster awareness of mental health support, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside mental health officials, has showcased a new specialty license plate promoting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. According to a press briefing from Governor DeWine's office, the plates will feature the logo of Ohio's 988 system and are readily available for residents to purchase at local BMV offices or online.
"Every life matters, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a vital part of Ohio’s effort to ensure that help is available when it's needed most," said Governor DeWine. Only averaging more than 19,500 contacts each month, the service has been a beacon for Ohioans in behavioral health crises since its nationwide launch in July 2022. Rolling over to a national backup provider happens with only about 1 percent of the calls, a point of pride for the program that sees most of its calls fielded by fellow Ohioans.
OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn highlighted Ohio’s rising stature in dealing with crisis response during the unveiling. With nearly 538,000 contacts handled since its inception, Cornyn stated, “As more Ohioans become familiar with the service, our hope is that reaching out to 988 for a behavioral health crisis will become as natural as calling 911 for other types of emergencies.” The remarks came from an official event reported by Governor DeWine's news release.
Owing to Ohio's growing commitment to suicide prevention, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is set to receive $25 from each license plate sold. Touched personally by the tragedy of suicide, Chip and Debbie McClintock were instrumental in gathering support for the plates, culminating in the signing of Senate Bill 163 by Governor DeWine earlier this year. “I’m beyond grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this suicide prevention license plate a reality," Debbie McClintock shared via Governor DeWine's office, underscoring the importance of the message that "asking for help is always OK." Her words and the impact of the new plates were highlighted by the personal struggle with the aftermath of suicide in her family.
Funds from the sales will be directed at local initiatives, ranging from training programs to resources aimed at preventing suicide, furthering OSPF's mission throughout Ohio. As stated by OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder during the unveiling, "The proceeds will go directly back into Ohio communities to provide training and resources to prevent suicide."
