Photo of the new 219 billboard message sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oakland
At the opening of the 2023 Rotary International Assembly, Rotary International President-Elect Gordon McInally announced the Rotary Theme for 2023-24: Create Hope in the World! He explained that the goal is to restore hope to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and to help achieve lasting change. In alignment with that theme, the Rotary Club of Oakland has procured space on the e-billboard on Route 219 next to the entrance to Walmart, with a simple and powerful message.
The billboard placement presents the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number available to all in an effort to raise awareness of this important resource in our community. It has been estimated by the National Institute of Mental Health that one in five U.S. adults is living with a mental illness. Congress established the National Suicide Prevention Helpline number in 2005 to provide around-the-clock suicide prevention help for those in crisis.
The local Rotary initiative, headed by longtime Rotarian Doug Riley, will help raise awareness and seeks to leverage the availability of 988 as a complement to 911 to help ensure those experiencing a mental health crisis can receive appropriate and supportive assistance during their time of need. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for all in the community. The Oakland club plans to promote the 988 Lifeline number in other ways as well throughout the year. For more information on the Lifeline go to https://988lifeline.org/
The Rotary Club of Oakland meets Thursdays for lunch at the Oakland American Legion on Memorial Drive across from Garrett Regional Medical Center and welcomes all interested in becoming a member. The club may also be reached by phone at 301.501.0190 or via email at OaklandRotary1925@gmail.com. The club’s website can be found at https://www.rotaryclubofoakland.org/ and its Facebook page.
