Cameron County OKs VA-provided 988 signs to expand crisis-line access

Cameron County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to accept signage from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to promote the Community Lifeline Partnership and broaden local awareness of the 988 crisis line.

Dr. Jessica Grogan, chief of mental health at the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System, told the court the initiative targets veterans who are not engaged in VA care and broader community members. "We fortunately, nationally have reduced the number from 22 veterans a day to 17.6," Grogan said, and she urged placing signs in county buildings, parks and walking trails so those in crisis see the resource and call. Grogan added the signs will be installed in August and the VA plans a social‑media campaign around September's Suicide Prevention Month.

Judge (S1) and other commissioners expressed support and asked operational questions about sign placement and supplies. The court approved the request on a voice vote and asked to take a group photo after the vote. The motion was moved by Commissioner Reese and seconded by Commissioner Benavides, and the transcript records the outcome as "motion carries."