When Buckelew first approached The Lindskog Foundation in 2022 about supporting our Suicide Prevention Outreach program, the national 988 Lifeline network was already poised to launch. This three-digit hotline would soon make a lifesaving impact. But only if those who needed the resource were aware of its existence. With suicide rates rising, especially among youth, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities, spreading awareness of this lifesaving resource was essential.

“The Lindskog Foundation has always been proactive in learning about our work and interested in understanding what we are witnessing first-hand in the community,” says Chris Kughn, Buckelew’s CEO. “They recognized the urgency and impact Suicide Prevention Outreach could make.”

The foundation responded with a generous multi-year commitment that proved fundamental in rebuilding the Suicide Prevention Outreach program. These funds allowed Buckelew to provide even more outreach, training, and education opportunities in the community, free of charge.

The results were immediate. During fiscal year 2024, nearly 22,000 calls were answered by Buckelew’s call center, an increase of 47% since the launch of 988. Additionally, more than 6,500 people were connected to life-changing resources.

Shriya Ambre, Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for the outreach team, has witnessed firsthand the impact this funding has made in our local schools. Two years ago, very few students were aware of resources like 988.

“Now they are asking, ‘what happens when you call?’” Shriya says. “When we share that 99% of calls are de-escalated, they are able to make the connection that police aren’t alerted if you make that call.”

Shriya also credits Buckelew’s Suicide Prevention videos, produced with the support of this funding, with increasing the level of comfort about calling 988. “It resonates that the counselors on the other end of the line are people from a local organization. I’m able to tell them, I know these people. It makes a difference.”

The ability to be out into the community has been critical in helping the team understand needs.

Mario Castillo, another Community Outreach and Education Coordinator, is familiar with the vital importance of connecting with our local communities. When Mario’s loved one was struggling with behavioral health challenges, Mario recalls, “There weren’t enough bilingual/bicultural resources or information. It was very isolating. That made it much harder for my family and my loved one.” Mario has also seen first-hand that young people are struggling and the system is overwhelmed.

But Mario is hopeful. “As community workers, we can make a difference. To think I can bring that much needed component – bicultural services – gives me so much hope and pleasure.”

Click here to view and share Buckelew Programs Suicide Prevention informational videos sponsored by The Lindskog Foundation.

If you are interested in having Buckelew Suicide Prevention Outreach conduct a training or presentation for your organization, please contact 415-858-8287.