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UPDATE Operations
In July 2024, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline commemorated the two-year anniversary of moving from a ten -digit 1-800 number to an easy-to-dial, three-digit number. The transition to a threedigit number and the increased marketing and awareness of 988 has helped more people reach out for help when they are struggling. From 2022 to 2023, we saw a 61% increase in interactions. Since 2022, FirstLink has continuously expanded staffing to meet this growing demand.
Nationally, one of the long-term goals of 988 is to integrate the 988 number into the behavioral health crisis system in the same way that 911 is integrated into the healthcare system. To help us progress toward this,
FirstLink collaborates with many stakeholders, as well as community and state coalitions. This is in effort to integrate behavioral health support, including mobile crisis services and crisis stabilization, into the 988 response.
As our interaction volume increases, we want to ensure that our Call Specialists can respond to help-seekers with various life experiences and identities. To reach this goal, FirstLink partners with local and regional organizations to offer cultural competency training. Most recently, we had a speaker from the Veteran’s Administration share information on military culture and resources for Veterans.
FirstLink is proud to celebrate the expansion of life-saving services through the 988 Lifeline! We continue to build our capacity to respond to those in need in a timely and supportive manner.
Community Resources Feature
Did you know that our entire directory of community resources is also available on our website?
You can access the same information used by FirstLink Call Specialists who answer the 211 Information & Referral Helpline by simply visiting our website. Scan the QR code below to get started!
Searching is simple whether entering keywords or utilizing the guided search categories. Just don’t forget to start by entering a zip code in the “location” box! If you get stuck, remember, we are available by phone 24/7 by dialing 2-1-1.
JENNIFER ILLICH A LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends of FirstLink,
Reflecting on the past few months, I am filled with profound gratitude and admiration for the remarkable journey we have shared. It’s been a period marked by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to FirstLink’s mission of providing help and hope.
In recent months, I have been reminded of the power of kindness through witnessing the impact of the services we provide on various phone lines, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. From the heartfelt conversations we’ve had with those we serve over the phone, collaborating with incredible agencies to reduce suicide, and the thoughtful support of our Board of Directors, kindness has been the cornerstone of our success. Whether it’s the simple act of lending a listening ear or a more significant contribution to FirstLink’s mission, each act of kindness has a ripple effect that strengthens our community.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you—our help-seekers, team members, Board of Directors, supporters, and community partners. Together, we keep hope on the line.
With warm regards,
Jennifer Illich
Jennifer Illich Executive Director, FirstLink
Care & Support
SPOTLIGHT
FirstLink continues to be a champion in providing follow up support to anyone facing an ongoing struggle with suicidal thoughts, substance use, or any other emotional distress. Those in need may reach out to the 988 Lifeline to access the program, however we are particularly proud to increase the number of partnering health care facilities who may refer patients upon discharge. Most recently, FirstLink gained a partnership with CHI St. Alexius to provide uplifting support to more people in the Bismarck-Mandan area.
This summer, we were thrilled to welcome an intern through the Philanthropy and Youth program, Jana, to our team. Jana is currently attending the University of North Dakota pursuing Medical Laboratory Science with
a minor in pre-medicine and nonprofit administration. She has created a collaboration guide for potential partners of FirstLink to understand the Care & Support Program Jana has also revitalized the program’s marketing materials to help us reach more providers, participants, and supporters.
Scan the QR code to learn more about partnering with or participating in the Care & Support Program!
“Talking today really helped me feel better today. I was really disheartened when I came home so I appreciate the kindness that I received, it feels rare.”
Community Education SPOTLIGHT
FirstLink has had a busy 2024 presenting on the topics of mental health, suicide, and resiliency to the communities we serve. With more than 50 trainings completed, we’ve reached over 1,500 individuals to build lifesaving skills. Our most frequently delivered presentation, Meet FirstLink, introduces learners to the services we provide across all phone lines and demonstrates searching our online resource directory. We’ve partnered with Sanford in Fargo to bring Meet FirstLink to partial hospitalization groups, fostering valuable connections within our community.
A standout moment was our collaboration with North Dakota’s court system, where we delivered MHFA training to a diverse audience, from IT professionals to judges within the ND court system. Feedback from these participants
has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 90% expressing the course was highly beneficial and informative, emphasizing its relevance both professionally and personally.
We invite you to explore upcoming opportunities on our website and join us as we continue to make a difference in our communities. Many of FirstLink’s trainings are approved for continuing education units and are offered at low or no cost to participants across North Dakota.
Scan the QR code to register for an upcoming workshop today!
THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY
As FirstLink reflects on recent happenings, we feel compelled to thank our community. Supporters of our organization continue to provide invaluable contributions, highlighting the importance of community involvement in advancing our mission.
Thanks to a generous grant from Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation, we were able to install access control at the doors throughout our contact center. This upgrade was recently completed and has made FirstLink’s day-to-day operations easier and our staff more secure.
Marvin Composites also recently came together in a show of support for FirstLink– their employees chose FirstLink as the recipient of their group contribution
during Mental Health Awareness Month This donation fuels our efforts in providing essential mental health support services.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, FirstLink also ran a campaign with Noodles & Company in which 50% of the profits from meals ordered using a specific link were donated to FirstLink. This campaign was successful, and we will be running another one for the entire month of September in light of National Suicide Prevention Month. If you would like to take part in assisting FirstLink in this way, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive a reminder, including the correct link to utilize for your Noodles & Company order. We are excited to announce that this promotion is regional and will be available at all Noodles & Company locations across the states of North Dakota and Minnesota
