T-L Photo/JOSIE BURKHART The Bridgeport Police Department displays 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline decals on all of its cruisers for mental health awareness month. Pictured next to a cruiser is Sgt. Brenton Boston.

BRIDGEPORT — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and, in an effort to promote mental health and suicide prevention, the Brideport Police Department is displaying 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline decals on all of its cruisers.

Placing the national 988 lifeline decals on Bridgeport Police Department cruisers is the first initiative of its kind in Belmont County as part of its public safety outreach. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a confidential and accessible service for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Bridgeport Police Chief John Bumba hopes the decals serve as a reminder to residents that help or hope are just a phone call or text away.

Life can be difficult and challenging, and anyone who needs to talk to someone regarding alcohol or drug use, mental health struggles or any other concern, the 988 Lifeline has counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

For more information on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, visit 988 lifeline.org.