Coffee Conversation: Leadership Duluth Launches “Just Breathe 988” Awareness Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2023 Leadership Duluth class has launched an area-wide campaign called “just breathe 988” to bring awareness to the new nation-wide 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

Campaign Leader Jerry Thoreson and Klear Water Coaching & Wellness Owner Stacy Crawford joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the campaign and its mission.

Thoreson says, the goal is for everyone to be aware that, like 911, anyone in the nation can call or text 9-8-8 when they or someone they know is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Anyone experiencing suicidal, substance use and other mental health crises can reach a trained crisis counselor by calling or texting the number.

In conjunction with the Just Breathe 988 Awareness Campaign, the Leadership Duluth class is joining forces with Duluth Rotary Club 25 in a fundraising campaign. All the proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club’s Mental Health Access program.

The program was launched in 2019 with initial funding of $25,000 from Duluth Rotary, who has sustained the program with additional grants of over $65,000. Club 25 has a goal to raise another $25,000 in 2023 and Leadership Duluth Class of 2023 is ambitiously trying to match the $25,000 through a go-fund-me campaign.

To make a donation, go to gofundme.com/justbreathe988