Free 988 Yard Signs Available Locally

Kane County residents can pick up free yard signs in Elgin and Aurora as part of a 2026 campaign to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Kane County Health Department said in an April 29 news release that the effort runs from May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, through September, which is Suicide Prevention Month. The department is asking residents, businesses, schools, faith communities and other organizations to display the signs in visible locations across the county. The signs are meant to remind people that 988 connects callers and texters with crisis support at any hour. ### Where can people in the Elgin area pick up the signs? The Kane County Health Department said free signs are available at its Elgin office at 2170 Point Boulevard and its Aurora office at 1240 N. Highland Avenue. Pickup is offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to the department’s release. The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce also reposted the county notice on May 6. (kanecountyil.gov) Elgin is one of two county pickup sites named in the release. The department said the signs are intended for homes, storefronts, organizations and other high-traffic locations. ### Who is behind the campaign? The Kane County Health Department is running the effort across Kane County. (kanecountyil.gov) The agency said the campaign is aimed at residents as well as institutions that can place signs where they will be seen through the summer months. Michael Isaacson, the health department’s executive director, said in the release that “awareness can be a critical first step in connecting someone to help.” He said that placing a sign in a yard, storefront or community space may help someone recognize that support is available. (kanecountyil.gov) ### What does 988 do if someone uses it? The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to both the Kane County Health Department and the national 988 program. People can call, text or chat 988 to reach trained crisis counselors for help with suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health crises or substance use concerns. (kanecountyil.gov) SAMHSA says 988 also offers access for Spanish speakers and for Deaf or hard-of-hearing users. The federal agency describes 988 as part of the national crisis response system, while the 988 Lifeline says the service operates through a network of more than 200 local crisis centers. ### Why are yard signs part of the outreach? The April 29 release says the county wants visible reminders in neighborhoods and business areas that help is available. (kanecountyil.gov) The health department cited a Journal of the American Medical Association study that found suicide deaths among adults ages 15 to 34 declined 11% in the first two and a half years after 988 launched, compared with projected levels. (samhsa.gov) The Chicago Tribune reported on May 15 that more than 700 red, white and blue placards had been planted across Kane County as the campaign expanded locally. ### How long will the local giveaway last? The Kane County Health Department said the campaign runs from May through September 2026. That means Elgin-area residents who want a sign can get one during weekday business hours at the county’s Elgin office while the campaign is active. (kanecountyil.gov) (chicagotribune.com) For people who do not want a sign but need help, the next step is immediate: call or text 988, or use the chat service through the national lifeline, which says support is available 24 hours a day. (988lifeline.org) (kanecountyil.gov)