Kane County Health Department Hosts Safe Kane County Drive-Thru Pickup Event

The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) invites the community to attend the upcoming Safe Kane County Drive-Thru Pickup event, scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event will take place at the Kane County Circuit Clerk parking lot located at 540 S Randall Rd., St. Charles, IL 60174.

​This initiative kicks off KCHD's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline awareness campaign which aims to increase community understanding of the 988 Lifeline, reduce stigma around mental health and suicide, and connect individuals in crisis with immediate, confidential support. At the event, community members can pick up 988 yard signs, window clings and bumper stickers for placement at homes, businesses and organizations in Kane County – without getting out of their cars.

Campaign Background

• Mental health identified as a top concern in KCHD's 2024 Community Health Assessment

• Kane County Board allocated $10M in ARPA funds to support mental health

• Winter 2024/2025 communications surveys highlighted the need for:

  • Greater awareness of 988

  • Reduction in stigma

  • Clearer understanding of available services

January 2025 Awareness Survey Results

• 71% unaware of the 988 Lifeline

• 69% unsure what services 988 offers

• 63% lacked confidence 988 would provide helpful support

• 72% said lack of awareness was a barrier to using the service
  

2024 Kane County 988 Usage Data

Total Calls: 1,670
Veterans: 6
Calls for Self: 1,402
3rd Party Calls: 123
Mobile Crisis Teams Deployed: 17
Emergency Services Called: 27
Suicide-Related Calls: 285

Age Breakdown:

• 12 & under: 22

• 13–17: 78

• 18–24: 219

• 25–34: 402

• 35–44: 218

• 45–54: 117

• 55–64: 137

• 65–84: 191

• 85+: 1

• Unknown: 285

Gender Breakdown:

• Female: 720

• Male: 848

• Transgender: 9

• Non-Binary: 5

• Other: 1

• Questioning: 2

• Unknown: 85
  

​“Our hope is that every person in our community knows that help is just three digits away," said Michael Isaacson, Executive Director of the Kane County Health Department. “By spreading the word about 988, we can reach more people, start important conversations, and ensure that no one feels alone in a moment of crisis."

Those who pick up the materials are encouraged to take a photo with their 988 sign, share it on their social media platforms and tag the Kane County Health Department to let their friends and family know that support is always available.

KCHD will also have gun trigger locks, biometric gun safes, and the opioid overdose-reversing nasal spray, naloxone, available for free while supplies last. No ID or prescription is required, but gun owners must show a valid FOID card to receive a free biometric gun safe.

The Safe Kane County Drive-Thru Pickup event aligns with KCHD's recently launched campaign, "Connect with Kane: Learn, Grow, Thrive," a year-long effort aimed at raising awareness about the importance of mental health and facilitating access to local mental health and substance use resources.

Event Details:

• What: Safe Kane County Drive-Thru Pickup Event
• When: Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Where: Kane County Circuit Clerk parking lot, 540 S Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174

For more information about the event and other mental health resources, please visit the Kane County Health Department's website or follow KCHD on Facebook or Instagram.