Your Life Iowa (YLI) provides free and confidential support by trained professionals for individuals experiencing a gambling, substance use, mental health, suicide or related concerns. YLI was chosen to be the statewide crisis line in January 2019.
Over the past several years Iowa has experienced a pandemic, flooding, crop failures and several derecho events that impacted many Iowans, including our students. It is important that administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and students know that YLI is at the ready to provide free and confidential support and information no matter what life might throw their way. The inclusion of YLI contact information on school student ID cards statewide ensures students will have information on how to contact YLI with them at all times.
The recently-passed House File 602 requires student identification cards to include the contact information for Your Life Iowa or any successor program. This is applicable for all student ID cards issued after July 1, 2023, statewide for students in grades 7-12. The inclusion of this information is optional for identification cards issued to students in grades 5 and 6.
We can help you navigate this process and feel prepared to talk to your students about concerns related to mental health, thoughts of suicide, substance use and more. Please see the tabs below for design templates, education information and more.
Submit a Question
We hope that the information and resources provided will assist in a successful roll-out in each school district. Questions on the information provided or about Your Life Iowa in general can be submitted to yli@hhs.iowa.gov or click Submit a Question below.
YLI Resources
- This link will take you to the YLI Resource Center where you can find additional information and resources on brain injury, bullying, gambling, mental health, substance use, and recovery.
Help Others
- Drug and alcohol use. Gambling problems. Suicidal thoughts and other tough issues. Learn how to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Your Life Iowa?
Your Life Iowa (YLI) is the 24/7 state-wide go-to resource to support anyone in Iowa with a wellness concern or question. We focus on gambling, mental health, substance use, suicide and related concerns. Services are available via phone, text, chat, and email. When you contact Your Life Iowa, we won’t judge what you’ve been through. We’ll do everything we can to help you through some of life’s most difficult challenges.
You can reach out whenever you need extra support – it is always free to get help from a YLI counselor.
Who can use Your Life Iowa?
Our services are open to anyone in Iowa, regardless of age, income or other demographics. We know that sometimes teens may feel uncomfortable talking to a parent or guardian about a concern or question they have. Adult permission in not required for minors to use Your Life Iowa.
Will people know I reached out to Your Life Iowa?
YLI is a confidential service. This means that we do not share any identifying information with anyone outside of YLI without a caller’s permission.
The only exception is if an individual contacting YLI is in immediate danger and they decide that life-saving emergency medical support is needed.
Who answers Your Life Iowa calls, text, chats and emails?
YLI is staffed 24/7/365 with trained, professional counselors who are experienced in helping people with many different types of concerns and questions. They will listen, provide immediate and confidential support, and help guide you to on-going resources, if desired.
Is this the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
YLI is proud to be part of a network of crisis support services across Iowa, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We focus on several topic areas (gambling, mental health, substance use, suicide and related concerns) to provide a wide array of support for anyone in Iowa.
