FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – It’s three digits not often talked about but in a crisis, some of the most valuable digits to know. Beyond 911, there’s 988, serving millions of people across America experiencing a suicide or mental health crisis situation, by phone, text or chat since launching in 2022.
While the number is easy to remember, it’s still relatively unknown to communities across the county, and here locally, the Rotary Clubs have teamed up to help get the word out thanks to a grant from Rotary International supporting the campaign.
Leading a 988 walk on November 15 around the lake at Central Park in Palm Coast, the Rotary of Flagler County in partnership with the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, and other supporting organizations like Flagler Cares, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Victims Advocate, and the Family Life Center, stood in solidarity with survivors of suicide attempts and those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
Sharing her own story of surviving a suicide attempt, Flagler powerhouse Sandra Shank inspired listeners as she talked about the impactful work she has done in the community that would not have happened had God not spared her life.
“Your life is a nourishment to somebody else,” said Shank as the clouds parted and the sun shone on the assembled.
“Your story is nourishment to somebody else. Your testimony is a nourishment to somebody else. We may make choices sometimes and we wish we could change those choices. Don’t mourn the past. Rejoice in the present and use the past as that beacon of hope for somebody else.”
As a retired mental health professional with a PhD in clinical social work, Rotarian and community advocate, Maralee Walsh McDaniel hoped that attendees would help spread the word about the human connection readily available for those in crisis.
“I’m very passionate about this new number, getting the word out so that people can be helped and not feel alone, helpless and lonely,” shared Walsh McDaniel. “It’s important that they know there is help out in the community and they don’t have to struggle by themselves.”
988 is a free service available 24 hours a day across America. For more information visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/lifeline-timeline
