Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs News Release
November 4, 2022
Available Now! Brand New Suicide Prevention License Plate Emblem
Olympia — Members of the public are invited to help raise awareness for suicide prevention programs by purchasing a new suicide prevention license plate emblem.
All Washington State vehicle owners are eligible to purchase the emblem displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number and the message that “There Is Hope!”.
Emblems cost $18 and can be placed on any passenger vehicle, truck, and large trailer license plate, including special and personalized plates.
“Each tragic suicide impacts 135 people. Family, friends, battle buddies, community members, classmates, and others are all impacted in one way or another. The new license plate emblem gives everyone in our State a way to get involved,” said Lourdes E. “Alfie” Alvarado-Ramos, WDVA Director. “Together we can spread the national 988 Crisis Lifeline number and the message that ‘There Is Hope!’. Through this collaboration, we will raise awareness and provide additional support to our communities.”
Data shows that Veterans account for 18% of suicides in our state but only 7% of the total population. Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is working to combat this by cultivating community programs focused on providing peer services.
“Not only will this emblem raise awareness of 988 as a resource for those experiencing a behavioral health crisis,” stated Rep Tina Orwall, “but it will raise funds to support veterans, who have high rates of suicide, and provide lifesaving services.”
How to Apply:
To become a partner in the fight against suicide and purchase a suicide prevention license plate emblem, please visit: WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site:Prevent veteran suicide emblems for license plates. In the coming weeks, emblems will be available at all vehicle licensing locations.
WDVA is grateful to the many partners involved in Washington State’s suicide prevention efforts including Washington State Department of Licensing, UW Forefront, Safer Homes, the Washington Department of Health, Health Care Authority, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, as well as many others listed at https://www.dva.wa.gov/sp.
The “988 Lifeline | There Is Hope!” Emblems were authorized by the passage of House Bill 1181 during the 2022 Legislative Session.
Please join us on November 29 from 2:00pm – 2:30pm as we officially unveil the Suicide Prevention License Plate Emblem with the help of Governor Inslee and State Representative Tina Orwall who sponsored the legislation creating the emblem.
Legislative Building, State Reception Room
416 Sid Snyder Ave
Olympia, WA 98504
Donations are also accepted without purchasing an Emblem:
By Mail: Complete the attached pre-filled donation form and send the form, along with a check, to the State Treasurer’s Office (mailing address located on the form).
Online: Follow this link “Donate to the State of Washington” (or use the QRcode to the right) and complete the online donation process with a credit card or bank account. Be sure to indicate that your donation will be going to: “27H - Veterans and Mil Mmbrs Suicide Prev Acct”
Individuals needing immediate support can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255.
More information on WDVA’s Suicide Prevention Program is available at: Suicide Prevention and Support | WDVA (wa.gov)
Information for the media from DOH on how to report on suicides: Journalism Resources | Washington State Department of Health
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Media Contact
Heidi Audette
Communications and Legislative Director
(360) 485-1812 – office
(360) 791-8966 – cell
heidia@dva.wa.gov