In a display of solidarity, Arizona breweries – and those nationwide – are joining forces during National Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
Throughout National Suicide Prevention Week, which runs Sept. 10-16, participating breweries will name a special beer "988" in honor of the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number.
“The annual 988 project, which was the brainchild of OHSO breweries, is one of the most important projects in the Arizona beer community,” Andrew Bauman, Arizona Craft Brewer's Guild deputy director, told the Independent via email. “So many of our members and friends have been affected by suicide, we feel fortunate to be part of this important mission.”
At the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, the largest gathering of craft beer fans in the U.S. that runs Sept. 21-23, Arizona's Craft Brewers Guild will pour 988 beers from OHSO, PHX Beer Co, Uncle Bear's, Simple Machine, and Barrio Brewing Co.
Locally, from Sept. 10-16, breweries will donate a percentage of the proceeds of draft and can sales of the limited edition brew to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 beer initiative aims to spark conversations, promote understanding, and encourage individuals to ask about the number when they see it on a menu or can.
In July 2022 the Lifeline transitioned away from the National Suicide Prevention Line reached through a 10-digit number to the three-digit 988 Lifeline. It is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health.
When people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing 988 Lifeline network, made up of more than 200 local crisis centers.
Counselors are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, and connect them to resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Steve Stockmar News Editor | Sun Life Magazine & Arts & Entertainment
YourValley.net @stevestockmar
Meet Steve Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.
Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.
Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.
Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.
Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.
By 
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here