happening at
THE HELPLINE?
2024 continued to be a period of tremendous growth at FirstLink. Over the past two years, our team has nearly doubled!
This is due to increasing demand for our critical services. This expansion has enhanced our ability to remain available to those in need and underscores the community’s trust in FirstLink’s support. With a significantly larger team, FirstLink is better positioned to provide essential resource information and crisis intervention to North Dakotans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This growth has also opened the door for new supervisory positions - many of which have been filled through internal promotions. By investing in strengths and providing room for advancement, we empower our team members to grow their
careers while supporting the community. Not only does this strengthen our workforce and foster a culture of individual leadership, but it also builds a more experienced and innovative support system for those answering our lines.
Did you know that it costs $35 to answer one live-saving call to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline? By contributing $35 or more, you can help us keep hope on the line for those in need. With your support, FirstLink will continue to be available day and night, snow or shine.
6,427 9,491
15,826
in the directory! cost to answer one livesaving call
“I
truly appreciate you reaching out to check up on me. Sometimes, you feel alone—but FirstLink reminds me I’m not alone.”
A LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JENNIFER ILLICH
Dear Friends of FirstLink,
Looking back at 2024, FirstLink continued to strengthen community partnerships and is proud to be celebrating a year marked by successful collaborations that truly inspire hope.
In the past year, we’ve seen remarkable progress in our training programs, public sector partnerships, and engagement initiatives. From delivering mental health workshops to working with local 911 dispatch centers, every effort has contributed to building more resilient communities across North Dakota. Each of you plays a vital role in this journey.
We are stronger together, and it’s your dedication and support that enables us to create suicide-safer communities across North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. The connections we’ve fostered remind us of the importance of coming together in times of need.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this incredible effort. As we look ahead to the next year, I’m filled with excitement for what’s to come. Changes are on the horizon as FirstLink continues to grow. With Giving Hearts Day just around the corner, on February 13th, we are gearing up for our largest fundraising event of the year! We hope you consider supporting FirstLink to help us keep hope on the line and surpass our goal of raising $60,000.
Together, we can continue to make a difference by spreading help and hope in our communities.
With warm regards,
Jennifer Illich
Lifeline (988) UPDATE
As of year-end, FirstLink has partnered with 65% of 911 dispatch centers in North Dakota. This important accomplishment signifies FirstLink’s continued efforts to ensure individuals in need are connected to the most appropriate help. Through the agreements FirstLink has signed, partnering 911 dispatch centers will connect individuals struggling with their mental health to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, answered locally by FirstLink. We are proud of our community as we take these important steps toward relevant care.
Jennifer Illich Executive Director, FirstLink
Over the course of 2024, FirstLink has seen a 50% increase in chat and text interactions to the 988 Lifeline. Despite this significant rise in volume, we are proud to report that less than 1% of these interactions have resulted in involuntary emergency service intervention. This highlights our commitment to providing effective and minimally invasive support to those who reach out for help.
“I really appreciate FirstLink. I’m always really thankful to my past self for signing up for [the Care & Support program] because you call at the exact time when I need to talk.”
Care & Support
SPOTLIGHT
FirstLink’s Care & Support program has consistently proven to be effective for individuals facing thoughts of suicide, substance use, or any other emotional distress. In 2024, we continuously set new records in number of contacts through the program, as well as new referrals received from our community and healthcare partners.
This is in part due to our growing network of partnerships across North Dakota. In 2024, we signed on eight new partners who may now refer patients to the Care & Support program upon graduation of services. These valuable partnerships signify our commitment to ensuring
the Care & Support program is readily available and easily accessible to those who need it most.
In addition to our rapidly expanding partnership network, FirstLink regularly presents to participants receiving care through the Fargo Sanford’s partial hospitalization program. This opportunity allows us to connect with individuals actively engaged in treatment, helping them brainstorm safety plan resources and introducing FirstLink as a reliable immediate support. Through connecting with FirstLink, participants are made aware of our services and the ongoing support available through the Care & Support program.
NEW 2024 Care & Support Partners
• CHI Bismarck
• Coal Country Community Health Center
• Fargo Cass Public Health
• The Heartview Foundation of Dickinson
Thank you
• Steele County Public Health
• The Lotus Center
• The Village Family Service Center
• St. Luke’s
TO THE COMMUNITY
We would like to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for the incredible support from two key agencies. FirstLink is thankful for our continued partnership with ND HOPES, whose support enables us to offer Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshops free to the public. This helps us provide valuable mental health education to all community members, regardless of their financial
circumstances. We are proud to work with ND HOPES and are inspired by their dedication to improving mental health care throughout North Dakota.
Just as crucial to our mission is the support we have recently received from the Inspiritus Health Foundation grant, whose generous funding in 2023 brought suicide education and outreach to communities near Minot, North Dakota. We are thrilled that the Inspiritus grant has continued to support our mission by approving additional education funds for 2025. Together, FirstLink and Inspiritus will offer Mental Health First Aid and safeTALK workshops free of charge.
4342 15th Ave S #201A
Let’s unite for Giving Hearts Day 2025! Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to the care and support they need. Your generosity fuels hope and transforms lives.
FirstLink has teamed up with the state of North Dakota to create videos that highlight the value of the 988 Lifeline. As you consider donating this Giving Hearts Day, remember, it takes $35 to provide help and hope to one caller in need.
Watch how we provide help and hope when you dial 988.
youtube.com/@bhishealth
Give EARLY starting on January 13, or make your big donation on Giving Hearts Day February 13!
Donate on our page :
