Oklahoma's 988 Mental Health Lifeline Receives Support From Actors Paul Scheer and June Diane Raphael

Notable Duo Collaborates with 988 Oklahoma to Encourage Mental Health Awareness

ODMHSAS will record a powerful and compelling mental health public service announcement with actors Paul Scheer and June Diane Raphael.

The 988 Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline offers support and services to all Oklahomans through a phone call or text message. By partnering with notable advocates, ODMHSAS hopes to encourage others to reach out if they need help finding resources in their area, or if they are in crisis. The campaign highlights how crucial it is to ask for help when experiencing mental health issues and that it’s normal to need help. 1 in 5 Oklahomans report having a mental health issue. 

"Over the past 18 months, 988 has proven to be a lifeline for our state, with more than 55,000 Oklahomans reaching out for support. We recognize this service's continued significance as we stand ready to lend a listening ear and a helping hand daily. 988 marks a significant advancement in mental health services for the people of Oklahoma," stated Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "Our commitment to offering resources and services for individuals in need of mental health care, suicide intervention or addiction treatment remains unwavering."

Paul Scheer and June Diane Raphael are cast to portray various scenarios in which people appear to conceal their inner struggles and put on a brave face to be “fake happy” until they pick up the phone and dial 988.

“988 Oklahoma is leading the charge with free, easily accessible Mental Health assistance. Being a part of this campaign was not only because of my personal investment in the cause but also because it was so refreshing to see the way that Oklahoma approaches this issue,” said Paul Scheer. “By tackling these issues with humor, we are able to get the message that support and assistance are readily available, ensuring that no one has to confront these difficulties in isolation. This project is not just a campaign; it's crucial support for those in need, and I am truly honored to be a part of it.”

The primary objective of the PSA is to establish a meaningful connection and let others know they don’t have to be “fake happy.” By using free resources dedicated to Oklahomans, help is available 24/7 and is completely confidential.  

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services hopes to disseminate this commercial's message to as many Oklahomans as possible, highlighting the substantial reach of this initiative. This three-digit lifeline is an integral part of a nationwide endeavor to address the escalating mental health crisis in America.

Whenever an individual contacts 988, a trained lifeline specialist answers the call in about 10 seconds. In Oklahoma, 90% of 988 calls and texts find stabilization over the phone. However, if additional assistance is warranted, dispatchers or mobile crisis teams can arrange appointments at nearby Urgent Recovery and Crisis Centers for those requiring face-to-face support. Transportation arrangements will ensure the safe arrival of Oklahomans in need at these centers.

Urgent Recovery and Crisis Centers offer accessible mental health and substance abuse care, providing individuals with the opportunity to stabilize and receive professional help during times of crisis. Functioning similarly to a hospital emergency room, Urgent Recovery and Crisis Centers accept walk-ins 24/7/365 and patients brought in by ambulance, fire or law enforcement.

To learn more about the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and 988 Oklahoma, please visit 988oklahoma.com.

Video Production Agency: RYB
Production Support by Tulsa-Based: RetroSpec Films
Creative: Insight Creative Group (ICG)
PR Agency: Jones PR