Media

Reporting on Suicide, Mental Health and 988

How the media reports on suicide matters.

Responsible coverage of mental health crises can support public health outreach and community recovery in the wake of traumatic events.

Some best practices include:

Centering people with lived experiences
Describe suicide warning signs and risk factors
Maintain sensitivity to grieving families and communities
Include resources like 988 Kansas Lifeline

Many news organizations use a brief message at the beginning of reporting to support outreach to 988 Lifelines. Feel free to use the following example or create your own:

If you or someone you know is struggling, call, text or chat with the Kansas 988 Lifeline for support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Visit Kansas988.org to get connected.

There are many guides available to help media organizations and journalists compassionately and accurately report on suicide.

Here are a few to get started with:

Spokesperson Contact

For media inquiries, interviews or other information, please reach out to our media coordinator using our contact page.

Press Releases

Kansas Leaders Encourage Responsible Reporting During Suicide Prevention Month

As September marks Suicide Prevention Month and the 4th annual 988 Day (9/8), leaders from the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition are calling on media, journalists, and community influencers across the state to adopt safe reporting practices that promote hope, recovery, and access to care. Research shows that media coverage plays a critical role in shaping public understanding of suicide experience. Unsafe reporting can contribute to contagion, increasing risk among vulnerable individuals. At

988 Kansas Lifeline Launches Statewide Awareness Campaign

HealthSource Integrated Solutions has launched a rebrand and statewide campaign during National Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness for the 988 Kansas Lifeline. Emphasizing that 988 is for everyone, the campaign highlights the free, 24/7 crisis support available across Kansas.