Clive, Iowa – The Clive Fire Department is taking a visible step to support mental‑health awareness during National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Beginning this week, each of the department’s response trucks will carry a bright decal advertising the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a free, 24‑hour telephone service for anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or substance‑use concerns.
Why the decals matter for families and the community
Firefighters are often the first public‑safety professionals to encounter residents in crisis. By displaying the 988 number on their vehicles, the department hopes to provide an immediate reminder that help is just a phone call away, even before an emergency call reaches 9‑1‑1. “Our goal is to let families and neighbors know there is a confidential, no‑cost resource available,” said Fire Chief John Miller, who added that the decals will remain on the trucks year‑round.
How the 988 Lifeline works
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline connects callers to trained counselors who can assess risk, offer emotional support, and guide individuals toward local treatment options. The service is staffed by professionals and volunteers across the nation, and it is designed to complement, not replace, emergency services. If a caller is in immediate danger, the counselor can dispatch local first‑responders, including fire personnel, to provide rapid assistance.
Fire department’s role in mental‑health outreach
Clive’s fire department has a long history of community outreach, from fire‑safety education in schools to senior‑citizen check‑ins. Adding the 988 decals is a natural extension of that mission, reinforcing the department’s commitment to protect both physical safety and emotional well‑being. “We see the impact of mental‑health crises on families every day,” Chief Miller noted. “By promoting the Lifeline, we are extending our protective umbrella to include the unseen battles many face at home.”
What residents should do
Anyone feeling overwhelmed, thinking about self‑harm, or worried about a loved one’s substance‑use issues should dial 988. The call is confidential, free, and available in English and Spanish. For situations that require immediate medical attention or pose a threat to personal safety, residents should still call 9‑1‑1. The fire department encourages citizens to keep the Lifeline number saved in their phones and to share it with friends, neighbors, and church groups.
Community response
Local churches, schools, and civic groups have praised the initiative. Pastor Sarah Henderson of Clive Community Church said, “It is a blessing to see our first‑responders championing mental‑health resources. This aligns with our faith’s call to care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.” Parents at the recent Clive Family Fair expressed relief that a trusted public‑service agency is helping to destigmatize mental‑health conversations.
The 988 decals will be visible on all fire trucks, including the ladder, rescue, and brush‑fire units. The department plans to distribute informational flyers at upcoming community events and to work with local schools on mental‑health education programs.
Looking ahead
Clive’s fire department hopes the decal program will inspire neighboring municipalities to adopt similar measures. By normalizing the presence of the Lifeline on everyday emergency vehicles, the department aims to foster a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
For more information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, visit 988lifeline.org or call 988 directly.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
