DVS Launches Statewide TV/Radio Ad Campaign for 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Line

DVS, with cooperation from the New Mexico Department of Health, has contracted with the New Mexico Broadcaster’s Association to launch a statewide military and veteran suicide awareness and prevention TV and radio advertising campaign.

This spring and summer, 30-second radio and TV commercials will feature actual military veterans urging service members, veterans, or their family members having suicidal thoughts to call the national 9-8-8 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline–and then to press “1” for any service member or veteran having thoughts of suicide. This immediate and confidential service is available 24-hours a day/seven days a week.

“VA data indicates 17 veterans nationwide take their own life every day,” said DVS Cabinet Secretary Jamison  Herrera, who taped a segment in one of the TV commercials (left photo; other veterans are shown below). “Many don’t know where to turn to for help. We want the military community to know about this 9-8-8 number that can save their life.”

The TV and radio commercials are in English and Spanish. A 60-second radio commercial has also been produced in the Navajo language for airing on the state’s two Navajo-language radio stations. The advertising campaign is part of DVS’ participation in the nationwide Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families. More commonly known as The Governor’s Challenge, the campaign’s mission was developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—asking states to spread awareness about and develop strategies for stopping suicides among our nation’s military members and veterans. DVS is leading the effort here in New Mexico. The state Dept. of Health is a participating agency and provided funding for the DVS-led advertising campaign.