Flathead County Suicide prevention coalition wraps up second awareness campaign

To strengthen awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as a valuable local resource, the Flathead County Suicide Prevention Coalition (FCSPC)—a network of stakeholders from across the Flathead Valley—has concluded its second awareness campaign of the year.  

Call center data shows a 26% increase in calls throughout 2025, averaging 182 calls per month. A vast majority of inbound calls, 88%, ended in resolution of the caller's immediate crisis. For crises that cannot be resolved by the call center, referrals are made to local Flathead Valley resources. 

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a nationwide network of crisis centers that offers free, confidential support from trained specialists to individuals experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health or substance-use crises. The lifeline operates 24/7, and calls from Flathead County are answered by Montana’s regional call center. Community members are encouraged to use the service at any time, even if they are not in an active crisis. 

Formed in December 2021, the FCSPC brings together community organizations dedicated to mental wellness, public health and suicide prevention. The coalition meets monthly to identify local needs and coordinate services and outreach efforts. 

Throughout September, the coalition expanded its partnerships with local businesses—including coffee shops, gyms and fitness centers, and Flathead Valley Community College—to serve as hubs for distributing campaign materials and raising public awareness about the 988 Lifeline. Among these new partnerships was the Montana Bar Fairies, who included 988 informational cards with the coffee gift cards they leave on cars parked at bars overnight, rewarding patrons for choosing not to drink and drive. 

Between the May and September 988 Awareness Campaigns, more than 10,000 coasters were distributed to approximately 200 bars and restaurants, along with 400 outreach packets delivered to a wide range of local businesses, including dispensaries, gun shops, thrift stores, and gyms. The campaign generated more than 241,000 media impressions through coverage in local newspapers, Spectrum TV (both targeted and county-wide), and leading radio stations. In addition, an outdoor billboard located south of Kalispell—displayed through the end of the year—has generated an estimated 78,794 impressions per week. 

At the most recent FCSPC meeting, the Coalition finalized a three-year strategic plan to advance its new goal of increasing community awareness, resources, and partnerships that promote safe firearm and medication storage. The plan focuses on strengthening local infrastructure, launching a culturally informed awareness campaign, expanding access to safe-storage tools, and evaluating progress through ongoing data collection. 

For more information about the 988 campaign, the work of the Flathead County Suicide Prevention Coalition, or with general questions about how to volunteer to support mental wellness in the community, please reach out to the Nate Chute Foundation at [email protected].