The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is now the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which operates 24/7 and offers services for a variety of mental health-related calls.
988 has been in effect in Oklahoma as of July 1 – 14 days ahead of the rest of the nation! Solari Inc., Oklahoma’s 988 call center operator, has received over 5,000 calls since its launch and has dispatched 500 mobile crisis units.
In our latest press release, ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges reported that death by suicide rose 8.6 percent from 2019 to 2020. “This can be attributed, in large part, to the isolation and social implications of the pandemic,” she said. “Suicides rose nationwide, especially impacting our young people.” Having just three numbers to remember is already making a huge impact on everyone in our state when it comes to getting connected to services when in, and before, a crisis.
For the last several years, ODMHSAS has been mapping out our state’s Comprehensive Crisis Response (link) and we are proud to say we’ve been leading the nation with our rollout of 988, adult mobile crisis units, urgent recovery centers and more. When we were creating what we wanted 988 to look like in our state, we wanted it to be approachable and emphasize and encourage Oklahomans to call this number before a crisis can occur, as well as when a crisis happens. By calling 988 you’ll be connected to your local provider and with the safety net system connected to 988, we are able to ensure that treatment is given to anyone who needs it.
Learn more about Oklahoma’s Mental Health Lifeline and our mobile crisis teams at 988oklahoma.com.
Use the resources tab to download social media assets, posters, coloring pages and more!
