Regency and Industry Partners Increase Awareness of 988 Lifeline through Signs of HOPE

Regency Centers is proud to partner with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Vibrant Emotional Health, and six additional open-air shopping center owners — Brixmor Property Group, Kimco Realty, Kite Realty Group, Peterson Companies, Sterling Organization, and Urban Edge Properties — to install 8,400+ "Signs of HOPE," across 1,450 shopping centers in 40 U.S. states.

With a collective goal to increase awareness and educate customers about mental and emotional well-being, these reflective signs, visible at all hours and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlight multiple ways to reach the 988 Lifeline.

Vibrant is incredibly grateful for partnerships where we can promote the 988 Lifeline services to inform, educate, and increase awareness of the Lifeline," said Dr. Tia Dole, Chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Officer at Vibrant Emotional Health. "The goal of these partnerships is to educate individuals about the availability of mental health resources in their communities, leading to more effective utilization and reducing the stigma of seeking support. We hope to reach an expanded volume of Americans who can leverage the 988 Lifeline when and wherever it's needed.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of 215+ local crisis centers that provides 24/7 emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress via phone, text, and chat to help individuals when, where, and how they need it. Vibrant continually strives to broaden the visibility of the 988 Lifeline and eliminate stigmas surrounding behavioral health care.

This program is expected to reach a significant number of people each year; 251 million people make 4.2 billion visits to these shopping centers annually, and 42% of the U.S. population lives within 5 miles of this combined property portfolio.

Installation of the 12" x 18" weather-resistant metal signs, primarily on parking lot light poles, began in September, with full roll-out expected by year-end 2024. These reflective signs, visible at all hours, highlight the multiple ways to reach the 988 Lifeline and its critical mental health services.

Connecting with our communities is one of Regency's core values," said Jan Hanak, Vice President, Marketing and Communications. "We are proud to join other open-air shopping centers in spreading the message of the critical services 988 provides to those in our neighborhoods.

For life-saving crisis support and resources, visit vibrant.org or 988lifeline.org. If you are in crisis and need help, please call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat/. Support is also available in Spanish by texting AYUDA to 988.