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DuPage County – Each year in May, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) recognizes Mental Health Month with other national organizations to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and substance use treatment, help individuals access resources for support, and reduce stigma.
On May 1, 2023, DCHD is launching a public awareness digital advertising campaign to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and sharing a multilingual social media toolkit with free downloadable, ready-to use graphics and sample posts about everyday resources to help friends, family, neighbors, and the community learn about mental health and find support.
“Mental health issues are a growing concern and the need for help is great,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director, of DuPage County Health Department. “Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to collectively bring their voices together and amplify the message help and hope is available.”
In 2021, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults lived with a mental illness. In 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third (37%) of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year. In DuPage County, according to the 2022 Illinois Youth Survey, depression rates among DuPage High School Students were two times greater compared to the national average.
In 2022:
- 36% of DuPage County 12th graders reported experiencing depression in the last 12
months. - 14% of DuPage County 12th graders reported seriously considering suicide in the last
12 months.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to highly trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, can also call, text or chat 988 for assistance.
DCHD is one of six 988 network providers in Illinois. DCHD also offers a 24/7 county crisis hotline (630) 627-1700, mobile crisis response for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as a crisis residential unit for short-term stabilization for residents over 18 years old.
Be a lifeline for someone who is in crisis or considering suicide. Call, chat, or text 988. You
could save a life.
