The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs’ Suicide Prevention Team recently awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to the city of Liberty Lake’s Mayor Cris Kaminskas, Police Chief Damon Simmons and Deputy Police Chief Darin Morgan to commemorate their placement of 988 Lifeline Emblems on city vehicles.
Liberty Lake purchased 75 adhesive emblems to add to their fleet of vehicles that promote the message “988 Lifeline – There Is Hope!” that are being added to the license plates of the city’s fleet of police cars, maintenance trucks and other vehicles.
The emblems are designed to raise awareness about the national 988 phone number that offers suicide prevention and crisis support.
“By displaying the 988 LifeLine -”There is Hope” Emblems on their vehicles, the city of Liberty Lake is increasing awareness and demonstrating strong support for our veterans, service members, and their families,” said WDVA Director Puente Jr. “This impactful initiative plays a key role in raising crucial funds for community-based grants aimed at preventing suicide. Through collective effort, we can foster a safer, more compassionate environment and make a lasting difference in saving lives."
The 988 Lifeline Emblems are a symbol of support and solidarity, raising awareness about suicide prevention and crisis support in the community. All proceeds from purchases of the 988 Lifeline license plate emblems go toward community-based suicide prevention services for military service members, veterans and their families.
Washington is home to over half a million veterans and eight active military bases. Veterans are at a 57% higher risk of suicide in the United States than those who haven’t served.
In 2019, 255 veterans died by suicide in Washington state, accounting for 20% of all suicides in the state, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
About 517,912 veterans live in Washington state, according to 2016-2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 7% of Washington's total population.
Kaminskas added the first 988 Lifeline Emblem to the license plate of a city vehicle on March 25, leading off an appreciation gathering with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs’ Suicide Prevention Team that recognized Liberty Lake for its support of suicide prevention efforts.
Liberty Lake residents also have the option to buy the emblem for $10 to show their support toward suicide prevention and crisis support for military, veterans and their families. There is also the option to buy multiple emblems at once and save by paying a single $8 processing fee. The fund is used to provide community-based grants to organizations that offer suicide prevention through peer support for transitioning veterans, military members, and their families.
Anyone who purchases or holds a Washington state license plate may purchase and display this emblem on their license plate. The emblem can be put on any full-size license plate type and must be displayed on the bottom of the license plate between the bolt holes.
The 988 Lifeline Emblem is available for purchase at any Department of Licensing office in the state. To find a location near you, visit here or can mail the application and fee to the office.