Oklahoma's 988 hotline launched 2 years ago, helping many familiar faces
Two years ago, the revamped mental health and crisis prevention hotline 988 went live and has since been used by millions of people nationwide, including in Oklahoma
Two years ago, the revamped mental health and crisis prevention hotline 988 went live and has since been used by millions of people nationwide, including in Oklahoma
Two years ago, the revamped mental health and crisis prevention hotline 988 went live and has since been used by millions of people nationwide, including in Oklahoma
Two years ago, the revamped mental health and crisis prevention hotline 988 went live and has since been used by millions of people nationwide, including in Oklahoma.
The Department of Health and Human Services said counselors have answered more than 10 million calls, texts and chats since 988 launched two years ago.
In Oklahoma, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services said one in five Oklahomans experience a mental illness every year. That's about 789,800 people.
On a weekly basis, about 300 people are admitted for urgent care or crisis mental health services. One in 10 students in Oklahoma reported attempting suicide last year.
But those who have struggled with mental health are not alone. Oklahoma's 988 line revealed some familiar names of those who have used the hotline.
"Everyone expects us to be these big, strong, masculine, hide everything, brute people, and that obviously turns you inside. You want everyone to see you as this perfect, great person, but everyone has their problems," OSU quarterback Alan Bowman said.
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Sunny Day, who was crowned Miss Oklahoma in 2023, also spoke about her experience.
"What I finally realized was that I can’t keep this inside anymore. I have to have someone to talk to, and I think that has ultimately led me to wanting to be a teacher with the students who I work with now," Day said.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or sending a text message to 988, or you can chat online here.
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