The Bridge
Nationwide ‘988’ Phone Number Launch is Game Changer for Teens in Distress
Last Updated on November 21, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Teen Suicide Rates Could Be Impacted by New FCC Mandated Phone Number With Live Operators
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, USA /EINPresswire.com/ — July 16, 2022 marks the deadline that was directed by the FCC for all cell phone carriers to implement the shortened number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and integrate it into their system. This 3-digit, easy to remember, number will enable anyone to simply reach out to 988 and speak with a live operator. National call centers are working hard to efficiently man their centers and hire more trained employees and volunteers. It’s possible that in some states there may not be enough people to handle the volume of calls that are expected to come in.
Since 2005, there has been a network of more than 200 crisis centers with trained counselors to chat or speak with someone in crisis. There have been numerous studies that have proven that after these call sessions, the caller has felt less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful.
A segment of the population that is disproportionately affected by suicide and attempted suicide are teens. Teens have a unique set of stressors that weigh on them. They are dealing with bullying, peer pressure, self-esteem, family stress, and more that leads to withdrawal, anxiety, aggression, physical illness, drug or alcohol abuse and serious mental health breakdowns, including suicide and attempted suicide.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 & nearly 20% of high schoolers report serious thoughts of suicide with 9% of these teens having attempted to take their lives.”— Chanda Spates, CEO – DDAAT-App!
“According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S and almost 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide. And if that’s not staggering enough, 9% of these teens have attempted to take their lives,” commented Chanda Spates, DDAAT-App! CEO. “Our children are at great risk, and they are relying on us to save them. This new “988” phone number needs to be shouted from the rooftops, encouraging our kids to reach out and speak with a caring soul on the other end of the phone before one more beautiful child is lost,” she continued. “As a country, we can no longer sit back and watch this crisis from the sidelines. It’s time for parents, organizations and communities to unite in saving lives. This is no longer an option, it’s an obligation.”
“DAAT-App! is focused on creating opportunities for teens to interact with adults who can serve as mentors when a father-figure is missing in the home. Children need our support, and we are committed to making a change for every community. The DDAAT-APP team is excited about integrating ‘988’ into the app.”
2022 Teen Suicide Statistics (JAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(6):604-606. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0069)
• There has been a 4.5-fold increase in suicidal ingestion of medication and drug cases among children between the ages of 10 and 12 since 2000.
• Pediatric emergency department visits for suicidality account for more than 1.1 million encounters per year, and this number has doubled in the past decade.
According to a new gun violence prevention report…
• the rate of young people taking their own lives with firearms in the U.S. has increased faster than for any other age group.
• the youth suicide rate is at its highest point in more than 20 years.
• while firearm suicide overall increased about 2% during the pandemic, the rate among young people increased 15% and nearly half of all suicide attempts by young people involve a gun.
• increased anxiety and depression, likely exacerbated by the pandemic, along with the impacts of social media and cyberbullying are among the theorized drivers.
About DDAAT-App
DDAAT-App! TM is a unique combination of real-time innovative technology, a culturally based engaging and responsive platform , and research-based intervention that was strategically designed to help close the gaps left by the absentee father crisis, to reduce risk factors for depression, school dropout rates, and suicide rates among adolescents. The DDAAT-App! team believes that supporting successful transitions into adulthood encourages the development of responsible citizenship, & stronger communities to heal one city, one county, one school district, one school, one classroom and one child at a time.
Chanda Spates, DDAAT-App’s Founder and CEO created this mobile app following a family crisis when her oldest child attempted suicide because of unspeakable bullying by his classmates and subsequent systematic failure of protection by the local school system, local law enforcement, and local organizations. The systems in our nation consistently fail teens, young adults, and other at-risk populations, over and over again, and this can lead to other suicide attempts as well. DDAAT-App! is proudly supported by Dream Smart Academy, Fice-Apps, and Flourish Foundation Project and Novant Health has signed a letter of intent to partner with DDAAT-App.
To learn more about DDAAT-App!, visit the website at DDAAT-App.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements.” Statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the belief that this specific intervention method will make a difference to people in a mental health crisis.
Chanda Spates
DDAAT-App!
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Stories of Change
The Holiday Spirit Matters But So Does What Happens After
The Holiday Spirit: Holiday generosity is powerful, but community needs don’t end when the decorations come down. Learn practical ways to give back year round—volunteering, donating, sharing skills, and supporting causes you believe in—with help from United Way.
The Holiday Spirit Matters — Why Giving Back Should Last All Year
(Family Features) During the holiday season, many people feel a renewed sense of generosity. It’s a time when communities come alive with food drives, toy collections, volunteer events and donation campaigns – all fueled by the spirit of giving. While this seasonal energy can be powerful, the need it responds to doesn’t fade when the decorations come down. Giving back is not only essential during the holidays; it’s also the foundation of stronger, more resilient communities year round. People in nearly every community face challenges – whether it’s affording holiday presents or meeting basic needs like food, rent and utilities. For many families, current economic strains are forcing them to make tough decisions like sacrificing necessities or depleting savings to create moments of holiday joy.
This is a time to rally support and help neighbors in need. Right now, many community members who didn’t previously need help are seeking support. Acts of generosity large and small help close gaps and strengthen communities. When individuals and businesses give their time, resources and talent, they can help ensure everyone has a fair chance to not only survive but thrive. Communities rely on nonprofit organizations like United Way – one of the oldest and largest organizations committed to tackling local challenges and mobilizing communities to improve lives. With a presence in nearly 99% of communities across the U.S., the organization recognizes the power of giving and relies on seasonal and year-round generosity to deliver food and housing assistance, youth programs, mental health support, disaster recovery and more. This holiday season and beyond, to assist your community consider taking actions such as: Volunteering Offering your time is one way to make a real change in your community while helping build a more resilient future for all. What’s more, research shows the personal benefits of volunteering, such as reduced feelings of isolation, loneliness and risk of depression. Whether it’s a community event, ongoing support or in-person activities, making a difference for others feels good. Donating Sharing your financial resources can play a vital role in helping communities thrive. Your donation can help put food on the table for families in need, support kids who are struggling or provide mental health services to the most vulnerable individuals. Remember, your gift of any size combines with the gifts of others and builds stronger, more resilient communities. Sharing Expertise or Talent Generosity can take many forms. Making a difference isn’t just about time and money; it can also mean sharing skills or knowledge, and even social networks to bolster charitable efforts. Giving back builds a shared sense of responsibility. It reminds people that strong communities don’t happen by accident – they’re created through connection, compassion and collective action. Supporting Causes You Believe In Every community faces their own unique, pressing challenges and almost everyone has a cause that’s close to their hearts. Identify organizations working to advance those causes and make a plan to support them. Find opportunities to support your community this holiday season and make generosity a year-round tradition at unitedway.org/local. Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for VeteransLink: https://stmdailynews.com/nourishing-our-heroes-eight-years-of-impact-at-phoenix-vas-veggies-for-veterans/
Stories of Change: People Making a Difference
Discover inspiring stories of changemakers making a positive impact. Explore videos and articles of people tackling today’s biggest challenges with action and hope. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/stories-of-change/
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
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Blog
Glad and Oscar the Grouch Team Up for a Trashy, Toe-Tapping Campaign
Glad teams up with Oscar the Grouch for a playful revival of the “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.” campaign, featuring a musical number, limited-edition Oscar-inspired trash bags, and a fresh take on making trash day fun for all ages.
Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
A Classic Campaign Gets a Grouchy Remix
Why Oscar? Why Now?
Nostalgia Meets New Audiences
Limited-Edition Oscar Goodies and Where to Find Them
Where to Watch
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- Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
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- Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
Bringing the Campaign Home: Phoenix Community Clean-Up
- “Phoenix, let’s get grouchy about litter and Glad about clean streets! Join our community clean-up and share your photos with #GladToCleanPHX.”
- “Spotted: Oscar the Grouch in Phoenix! Grab your Glad bags, clean up your neighborhood, and tag #OscarLovesTrash for a chance to be featured.”
- “Spring cleaning in Phoenix just got a lot more fun—thanks to Glad and Oscar! Who’s joining our next clean-up day? #GladToCleanPHX”
About the Brands
- Glad Products Company
- Sesame Workshop
- PRNewswire
- Press release via Glad, Dec 2, 2025 (based on IRI data, last 52 weeks ending 10/26/2025)
High Demand Marks “Veggies for Veterans” Event Amid SNAP Delays
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Community
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Turns Spare Change Into Holiday Hope with Feeding America Partnership
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet launches its sixth annual hOLLIEday Caring campaign with Feeding America, letting shoppers round up purchases to fight hunger. The initiative has raised over $4 million for local food banks since 2019.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Turns Spare Change Into Holiday Hope with Feeding America Partnership
When you’re hunting for bargains this holiday season, your spare change could do more than jingle in your pocket—it could put food on a neighbor’s table. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is launching its sixth annual hOLLIEday Caring campaign, partnering with Feeding America® to give shoppers an easy way to fight hunger right at the register. From December 7th through December 24th, customers can round up their purchases to support local food banks in communities where Ollie’s stores operate. It’s a small gesture that adds up fast—over the past five years, these round-ups have generated more than $4 million for families facing food insecurity.Why This Campaign Matters More Than Ever
Food insecurity isn’t just a holiday problem—it’s a year-round crisis that intensifies when the calendar turns to November and December. Rising costs for food, housing, and healthcare have pushed millions of Americans into impossible choices: pay the electric bill or buy groceries? Fill a prescription or feed the kids? The Feeding America network has responded to this growing need by rescuing more than 4 billion pounds of wholesome food over the past year. But as demand increases, so does the pressure on food banks to keep shelves stocked and families fed. “The holidays can be a particularly challenging period for those in need and the food banks that support them,” the campaign announcement notes. “This is a time when families are forced to choose between food and other necessity items, food banks face rising demand, and families nationwide are turning to the Feeding America network of partner food banks to help make ends meet.”How Round-Ups Create Real Impact
The beauty of Ollie’s hOLLIEday Caring campaign lies in its simplicity. There’s no complicated donation process, no separate transaction, no guilt-inducing ask at the checkout. Just a quick question: would you like to round up your purchase? That extra 37 cents or 82 cents might not seem like much in the moment, but multiply it across hundreds of thousands of transactions at 613 stores in 34 states, and suddenly you’re talking about meaningful resources for local food banks. “Our hOLLIEday Caring campaign encourages shoppers to turn spare change into meaningful support that puts food on the table for neighbors and creates the kind of real change and hope families need right now,” said Tom Kuypers, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Ollie’s.A Partnership Built on Community Values
What makes this initiative particularly effective is that donations stay local. The funds raised support Feeding America’s network of partner food banks in the communities where Ollie’s operates, ensuring that your round-up in Pennsylvania helps Pennsylvania families, and your contribution in Arizona supports Arizona neighbors. This localized approach reflects Ollie’s broader commitment to the communities it serves. “At Ollie’s, caring for our associates, customers, and the communities in which they live in is a core value,” Kuypers emphasized. Elizabeth Pettengill, Interim Vice President of Corporate Partners at Feeding America, echoed that sentiment: “We are grateful for partners like Ollie’s who help make our work possible. Every round up at the register supports local food banks in communities across the country, helping to ensure families can bring meals home during the holidays and beyond.”Beyond the Holidays
While the hOLLIEday Caring campaign runs through Christmas Eve, the need for food assistance doesn’t end when the decorations come down. Food insecurity is a persistent challenge that requires sustained support throughout the year. That’s why partnerships like this one matter—they create awareness, build habits of giving, and demonstrate how easily everyday shoppers can contribute to solutions. When charitable giving is integrated into routine activities like grocery shopping or bargain hunting, it becomes accessible to everyone, not just those with disposable income to spare.How to Participate
If you’re shopping at Ollie’s between December 7th and December 24th, simply say yes when the cashier asks if you’d like to round up your purchase. That’s it. Your spare change will be directed to Feeding America’s network of local food banks, helping families in your community access the food they need. And if Ollie’s isn’t part of your regular shopping routine, consider how you might support local food banks in other ways—whether through direct donations, volunteering, or participating in similar round-up campaigns at other retailers. The holidays remind us that community isn’t just about celebration—it’s about showing up for each other, especially when times are tough. Sometimes that looks like a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s as simple as rounding up to the nearest dollar.About Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
Ollie’s is a leading off-price retailer specializing in brand name closeout merchandise and excess inventory. With 613 stores across 34 states, the company’s mission is to sell “Good Stuff Cheap®” at prices up to 70% below traditional retailers. Learn more at ollies.com. For more stories about people making a difference in the community, whether it’s locally or globally, visit our Stories of Change section.Sources: Looking for more ways to support families facing food insecurity? Visit your local food bank’s website to learn about donation opportunities, volunteer shifts, and community programs.
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