Legislation Introduced by The 988 Awareness Project Requiring the 988 Lifeline on Student IDs Signed into Law by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed into law Assembly Bill No. 135 on June 10, 2023, which includes an amendment crucial to suicide prevention in the state. Beginning October 1, 2023, the back of student IDs for all Nevada public and charter schools must include 988, the number for the free, national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Awareness Project was instrumental in introducing and pushing forward this legislation. Right before AB 135 was signed, founder Cooper Cunningham wrote to Gov. Lombardo in support of AB 135 with detailed information about benefits of the 988 Lifeline and why it’s so important to spread awareness about this life-saving resource. 

“Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, but 988 professionals are trained to help people feel less depressed and more hopeful,” Cunningham says. “Including the 988 number on student IDs will be instrumental in raising awareness that there is help available for young people. It will absolutely help save lives.” 

The 988 Awareness Project was founded in 2022 to support widespread knowledge and access to the more than 200 local call centers available through 988 Lifeline. Formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, its longer, 10-digit number was shortened to 988 in July of that year and renamed the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or the 988 Lifeline for short.

A major focus for the 988 Awareness Project is civic outreach, especially to vulnerable communities like teenagers and military veterans. The nonprofit also supports organizations such as The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, the Southern Nevada Veterans Chamber of Commerce and collaborates with local government.