988 Day Toolkit: Check In with a Friend

Overview

988 Day, celebrated each year on September 8, is a national day dedicated to raising awareness of the 988 Helpline and the ongoing need for mental health and emotional support across the nation.

Here in Baltimore, we’re inviting everyone to Check in with a Friend on 9/8. Whether it’s a text, a phone call, or a quick knock on your neighbor’s door, it makes a difference to show up for those around you. This toolkit is a resource you can use to help spread the word about 988 Day and encourage others to show up and have conversations about how they’re feeling. Remember, whenever someone needs mental health or substance use support, 988 is available anytime.

Sample Social Media Messages and Graphics

Check In. It Matters. A call, a text, a simple message can mean more than you know. This 988 Day, we're making it easy to show up for the people in your life and the community around you. Browse the ready-to-share messages, graphics, and assets below to help spread the word and remind others that when life feels heavy, help is always just three digits away.

Sample Social Media Messages

  1. Check in. It matters. This September 8 is 988 Day, and it's the perfect moment to connect with a loved one or a friend to see how they’re doing. Show up and let them know that 24/7 support is only one call or text away with 988. Visit 988helpline.org/help-loved-ones/ to learn more. #988Day #Bmore988

  2. One text. One Call. One conversation. That’s what 988 Day is about. On September 8, check in with someone you know and remind them that the support they may need is always available. For emotional support or whatever they may be holding in, connection can help. 988 can help. Visit 988helpline.org/help-loved-ones/ #988Day #Bmore988

  3. Baltimore, let's show up for each other. On this 988 Day, we're calling on our community to check in with the people around them because connection matters. To learn more about 988 and how to help others, visit https://988helpline.org/help-loved-ones/ #988Day #Bmore988

  4. September 8 is 988 Day — a great time to let your friends and family know that you're there for them. Who are you checking in with today? Find tips on supporting your loved ones: https://988helpline.org/help-loved-ones/ #988Day #Bmore988

Static Graphics and Video

Pair these graphics and video with the sample social media messages above.

Download Social Media Graphics (.zip)

Social media mockup

Download Videos (.mp4)
Share from YouTube (horizontal format)
Share from YouTube (vertical format)

988 Day Text Messaging Campaign



Sample Newsletter Content

If you have a newsletter or blog, share this content to encourage others to check in and learn more about the 988 Helpline. Feel free to adapt the content as needed to suit your audience.

Check In with a Friend This 988 Day

September 8 is 988 Day, an annual day of action dedicated to spreading awareness of the 988 Helpline. This year, we’re inviting everyone in Baltimore to check in with a friend or loved one. A text or a phone call can make a big difference in someone’s day. You don’t need the perfect words, but showing up for someone can mean more than you know.

Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is important, and 988 is here to help. When you call or text 988, specialists are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential support for whatever you’re going through, and they can also help connect you to mental health and substance use services right here in our community. For more information about 988 and tips on how to help yourself or your loved ones, visit the Tips for Helping Others page.

Ready to get involved? On September 8, check in with someone in your life and help us spread the word about the 988 Helpline across Baltimore. If you want to share on social media, use the hashtag #988Day and #Bmore988 so we can see how our community is showing up!