988 Bag Tag Campaign for Student Athletes - Tag Your Bag!

All Athletic Directors, coaches, student athletes, join the Suicide Prevention Youth Action Team (YAT) for the launch of the 988 Bag Tag Campaign. within the division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

The YAT is an action team of youth volunteers working with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services at the County of Marin to spread the word that there’s hope and help for those in our community that are struggling.

Bag Tag Mockup

What is the 988 Lifeline?

People can contact 988  for themselves or a loved one who may need support when having suicidal, mental health or substance use crises. The Lifeline offers a universal entry point so that no matter where a person lives in the United States, they can reach a caring, trained counselor who can help any time of day or night. 

Why the 988 Bag Tag Campaign?

While suicide is a complex health issue, we know that it can be prevented. However, it takes all of us to play a role and we’d love to have your participation in this student led campaign. Student athletes experience unique pressures that other students may not experience.  We hope to raise awareness about the 988 Lifeline and educate all students so they know they are never alone. 

What is the 988 Bag Tag Campaign?

The Youth Action Team will be providing colorful “bag tags” to high school athletic directors and coaches that feature 988 on one side and the Find Your Way logo (with QR code to digital youth resource guide) on the other side. The good news is that many athletes love to collect these tags and attach them to their athletic bags, making the tags desirable to many. Although our distribution of bag tags is directed to student-athletes, we want the impact of this campaign to reach all students (e.g. social media), not just athletes. 

How can my school or team get involved?

Simply follow the steps below:

  • Filling out this brief questionnaire to let us know you’re interested and the best contact information for your school or club along with the number of spring athletes

  • Sharing a short pre awareness survey with your spring athletes by mid March  if possible; we’ll also ask you to share a post survey at the end of the season; 

  • Handing out and encouraging the athletes to put the tags on their bags; (we will deliver to your school)

  • Spreading the word through school newsletters, staff meetings, assemblies, special events, and social media using a Toolkit that will be provided; 

Are there more opportunities for involvement for schools and athletes?

Yes!  We will be sending you (and posting on the Marin 9 to 25 website) information to share with your athletes about the Youth Wellness Festival on May 11, the Wellness Fun Run on May 18, and an event featuring Drew Robinson, former SF Giants player and mental health advocate on May 9 at College of Marin Athletic Center. 

Thank you for supporting our 988 campaign!

If you have any questions please email Nancy Vernon.