LEXINGTON, KY, September 1, 2026 – September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind our communities that no one must navigate a mental health crisis alone. New Vista will join organizations across the country in recognizing 988 Day on September 8, helping raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and reminding Kentuckians that support is available whenever they need it.
The national theme for this year’s 988 Day is “988 Reasons: Your reason is enough,” emphasizing that there is no wrong reason to reach out. Whether someone is experiencing emotional distress, a mental health or substance use crisis, concern for a loved one, or simply needs someone to talk to, 988 provides an immediate connection to support.
To mark 988 Day, New Vista is inviting staff across its service area to help spread that message through a special sidewalk chalk activity inspired by the theme. Teams will create colorful messages and artwork highlighting reasons for hope, connection and reaching out for support. Photos from participating locations will be shared on New Vista’s social media channels using #988Day.
“At New Vista, we believe there should be no wrong door when someone reaches out for help. Whether you call 988 in a moment of crisis, out of concern for someone you love, or simply because you need someone to talk to, reaching out is the right first step. Your reason is enough,” said Darcy Miller, LPCC-S, Regional Director of Emergency Response & Client Engagement for New Vista.
As a 988 Lifeline provider, New Vista connects callers with trained crisis counselors who listen, provide support, help with safety planning when needed and connect individuals with additional local resources. Anyone can call or text 988 or chat through 988lifeline.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Over the last year, New Vista’s 988 crisis counselors answered 8,336 calls, providing immediate support and connection to resources for people in moments of need. New Vista’s 988 team also includes 10 trained volunteers who help ensure compassionate crisis support is available when it is needed most.
Since the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched nationally in July 2022, it has provided a simple, accessible way for people experiencing mental health, substance use or emotional distress to connect with trained crisis support.
New Vista encourages community partners, organizations, and individuals throughout Central Kentucky to help spread the word about 988 on September 8 and throughout Suicide Prevention Month. Sharing information about 988 can help ensure that more people know where to turn when they or someone they care about needs support.
Your reason matters. Your reason is enough. Help is available 24/7.
About New Vista
New Vista is a nonprofit Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) serving 17 counties across Central Kentucky. Through a comprehensive network of mental health, substance use, developmental, crisis, and primary care services, New Vista provides accessible, compassionate care that strengthens individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit www.newvista.org
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use concerns, or simply needs someone to talk to, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Support is available 24/7.