President’s Message for September 2025

988 Day

“Just call.” That’s how I feel about 988. If you’re wondering if you should call, “just call.” There is someone there ready to listen. That is 100% positive! In July, our mental health community noted the third anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a number that is easy to remember when you or a loved one may be experiencing challenging mental health symptoms or coping with substance use.

Unfortunately, this summer we also witnessed the federal government pull the LGBTQ specialty line from the 988 service. NAMI National will continue their efforts to have that reinstated.

September 9th, 9/8, 988 Day, is becoming an annual day of recognition to help spread the word about the service. We’ll be posting the graphics below on our Instagram and Facebook page. Please take a minute to share them or info about 988 on 9/8. . . or any other day.

Community Info Tables

Fall is one of the times we receive multiple requests to set up a canopy and resource table at community events. We had more offers than we could accept for this fall and need additional volunteers to staff tables at events in Bedford on 9/20, Acton on 9/27, and Maynard on 10/4. All you need is a smile and a little knowledge about NAMI’s programs. I bet you have both of those! New people will be matched with experienced volunteers. Shifts are 2-3 hours. Please send a note to nami.cmsx@gmail.com for more info.