The Michigan Department of Natural Resources partnered with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency to include a suicide and crisis lifeline on all the state’s hunting and fishing licenses sold to active-duty military and 100 percent disabled veterans.
What started out as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline nearly 20 years ago, is now a national network of crisis centers staffed with trained professionals to assist people experiencing mental health distress or suicidal crisis.
"Michigan is home to more than 516,000 veterans, many of whom are avid hunters and fishers," said MVAA Director Brian Love. "MVAA is always looking for ways to support suicide prevention in the veteran community. Including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline contact information on each license will put a vital resource in the pocket of those veterans who love the Michigan outdoors."
In the most recent study from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, in 2021 there were 171 veteran suicides in Michigan. There were 6,392 veteran suicide deaths in 2021 in the country, which was 114 more than in 2020.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is offered in English and Spanish, as well as for those with hearing loss, and is available 24 hours every day of the year.
A program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the lifeline allows people to call or text 988 at any time for themselves or for a loved one they are worried is in crisis.
For veterans in crisis, the Lifeline offers the Veterans Crisis Line. To access it, dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255.
For those in distress, there is the option to call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline. It is not required to provide any personal information to receive the services.
"The outdoors offers welcoming spaces where people can relax, recharge and connect with friends and family," said Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen. "There are times, though, when people may need professional assistance and care. Including 988 on hunting and fishing licenses for our military veterans is just another way to help keep Michiganders safe."
Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased through the DNR website, through the Hunt Fish mobile app or in a retail store.