Campus Safety adds 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline decals to Squad Cars

Led by students, project highlights ongoing partnership between campus law enforcement and mental health providers.

Monday, May 20, 2024

University of Iowa Police Department

Campus Safety is proud to announce it has prominently placed 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline decals on all police squad cars and Nite Ride vehicles to enhance student well-being and make information about mental health resources more accessible to the community.

The University of Iowa is among the first Big Ten universities to add 988 to its campus safety vehicles. The new decals feature the national suicide and crisis lifeline number, which offers those in crisis a direct and confidential connection to trained counselors who can provide immediate assistance. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, you can call or text 988 anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"As someone who has faced mental health challenges while in college, I understand the importance of reaching out for support,” says former UIPD intern and current UI student Jerad Nylin. “Being part of this project fills me with hope, and by raising awareness and providing the visible lifeline number, we are fostering a community where support is readily available, ensuring that no one feels alone in their time of need."

This initiative — which was led by student interns and supported by Campus Safety leadership – aligns with the UI Strategic Plan 2022-2027 goals for holistic well-being and success by increasing awareness of mental health and well-being resources, as well as the University of Iowa’s Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Well-Being Collaborative strategic plans.

The project is just one example of the existing strategic partnership between campus law enforcement and campus mental health providers to address suicide as a public health issue. 

“The 988 signage helps strengthen campus suicide prevention initiatives by projecting a message of hope and promoting a universal access point for crisis services,” says Dr. Marie Adams and Dr. Michael Fletcher, who co-chair the University of Iowa Suicide Prevention Coalition. “Adding this information to first responder vehicles can help shift the narrative away from the stigmatization of mental health and towards genuine support.”

Eight student interns worked closely with both Campus Safety and University Counseling Services for 7 months to complete the project. Now celebrating the close of the spring 2024 semester, the students involved expressed their dedication to supporting mental health awareness on campus. 

“Suicide has a vast impact, it impacts family and friends, eventually having a domino effect throughout the community,” says student intern Ella Brown. “Having 988 on our squad cars will promote awareness and provide resources to those in crisis, ultimately saving lives.”

The students involved in the project included Jerad Nylin, Ella Brown, Abby Garringer, Reagan Etter, Javonne Dennis, Malorie Kindred, Abby Tindal, and Jordan Fligg. 

Additional Resources

988 Lifeline
Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to be connected with a crisis counselor.

UI Support & Crisis Line 
In partnership with CommUnity Crisis Services, the university provides 24-hour support for all students, faculty, staff, and postdocs. Call or text 844-461-5420, or visit this page to chat online now.

See a full list of resources at mentalhealth.uiowa.edu.