Residents enjoying parks and trails may soon see new signs promoting the 988 Lifeline.
The Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board is partnering with eight area parks and preserves to place informational signage in common areas, according to a community announcement. The effort is funded by the 988 Lifeline Awareness Grant, awarded through the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities and the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health.
Paint Valley ADAMH Director Melanie Swisher (center) along with representatives of Washington Court House, the Village of Octa, Ross County Park District and the City of Jeffersonville display the signage that will be placed in eight area parks and preserves.
The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential assistance 24/7/365 via call, text, or chat. The new signs are expected to reach residents across the board’s five-county service area, which has a population of more than 234,000.
“Spending time in nature can be a powerful way to cope with difficult emotions. By partnering with our local parks and with support from OACHBHA and Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, we’re making sure people know they’re not alone and that 988 is there when they need someone to talk to,” ADAMH Director Melanie Swisher said in the announcement.
Pharmacy ads also planned
In addition to park signage, the Paint Valley ADAMH Board also purchased 988 ads on local pharmacy medication bags to help spread awareness to pharmacy customers.
The board thanked several partners for their involvement, including Arc of Appalachia, the City of Jeffersonville, the City of Washington Court House, Pickaway County Parks District, Ross County Parks District, Village of Bloomingburg, Village of Greenfield, and the Village of Octa.
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This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Paint Valley ADAMH adds 988 Lifeline signs in area parks