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OXNARD — Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA), will join communities nationwide in recognizing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) second annual “988 Day” on Monday, September 8, 2025. This year’s theme is Compassionate Help. Anytime.
988 Day raises awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, emphasizing that suicide is preventable and that compassionate support is available anytime, anywhere. The Lifeline provides free, 24/7 access to skilled, caring, and trained counselors by text, chat, or phone call.
In Ventura County, participation in 988 Day aligns with broader September Suicide Prevention Month initiatives:
- On Saturday, September 20, 2025, VCBH team members will walk alongside community partners in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk. Event information and registration: https://afsp.org/vc.
- On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, VCBH will host the 10th Annual Suicide Prevention Symposium: Never a Bother—Because Together We Can Make a Difference. Registration and details will be available on Eventbrite. Event information and registration:https://HopeVC25.eventbrite.com
VCBH remains committed to providing resources for suicide prevention and support for those affected by suicide loss. Community members can:
- Explore local prevention resources and watch STAY suicide prevention videos
- Review the VCBH Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan
- Register for a free 1-hour suicide prevention training
- Join the VCBH Suicide Prevention Council
Learn more at: https://www.wellnesseveryday.org/
Stay connected: Email us at MHSA@ventura.org
24/7 Local and National Crisis Support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, confidential support for mental health, substance use, disaster distress, and more. Call, text, or chat: 988
- VCBH Access/Crisis Line – Including mobile crisis team response: 1-866-998-2243
Emergency Response with Compassion
For imminent emergencies, dial 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer. CIT officers receive specialized training to safely respond to mental health crises, reduce use-of-force incidents, and compassionately connect individuals to services while avoiding unnecessary incarceration.
VCBH also provides outpatient clinics, a mobile crisis team, and the HCA’s Hillmont Psychiatric Center—an accredited inpatient unit offering evaluation, stabilization, and treatment for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises. Hillmont ensures continuity of care through collaboration with outpatient providers.