988 Campaign

Modeled on the successes of 911, 988 launched nationally in 2022 as a 24/7 helpline that offers free and confidential support for people experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises. The Scattergood Foundation recognized that, in order to reach those who need 988 most, public awareness of the hotline would need to be built through messaging that reflects the lived experiences, cultural identities, and communication styles of the people it serves.

The Scattergood Foundation partnered with the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) and JEME Consultants to create Philadelphia’s 988 Awareness Plan. The plan was developed through a thoughtful, four-phase process involving deep community engagement with over 100 Philadelphians across neighborhoods, generations, and backgrounds, including service providers, youth, immigrants, and institutional leaders. The strategic outreach conducted by JEME informed a contemporary and aspirational 988 Awareness Plan that cuts through a crowded information landscape and centers trusted local voices.

One of the most tangible outcomes of this work is the 988 Lifeline Do-It-Yourself Catalog, a creative and customizable outreach toolkit designed by JEME. The immersive resource is more than a catalog—it’s a platform for empowerment. It supports Philadelphians in telling their own stories, creating localized messaging, and building stigma-free pathways to care. Together, we’re working to make it known: it’s okay not to be okay, and help is just three digits away.