988 Mental Health Lifeline now available to all Oklahomans

The new 988 Mental Health Lifeline is now available across the state of Oklahoma. The threedigit number offers immediate response during mental health crises by a local trained behavioral health specialist. Any person can call or text 988 if experiencing a mental health emergency, seeking guidance for a mental health situation or looking to gain insight on how to navigate concerns for a friend or loved one.

“We must improve our health outcomes in Oklahoma as they drive everything from our economy to our employment,” Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges said. “We are so proud of the hard work done by everyone involved to bring this life-saving resource to our state and change the way Oklahomans talk about and access treatment services.”

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) is coordinating the statewide rollout of the mental health lifeline as part of its comprehensive crisis response system. 988 is the number approved by the Federal Communications Commission to replace the 11-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. The change comes after mental health and suicide prevention advocates asked Congress for a shorter, easier-to-remember number for individuals in crisis.

Each time an individual contacts 988, there is free and confidential help on the other end of the line. Operators of this lifeline are trained to provide conversational support or dispatch mobile crisis teams if the situation requires in-person assistance. Oklahomans will be connected to a mental health professional to talk and get the resources needed for either themselves or loved ones. About 80% of the time, situations can be resolved with the first conversation. If more help is needed, dispatchers or mobile crisis teams can set up appointments at nearby Urgent Care and Crisis Centers. If this is the case, transportation will be provided to help Oklahomans in need safely arrive at the nearest center.

Urgent Care and Crisis Centers offer accessible mental health and substance abuse care where Oklahomans can stabilize and receive professional help during a crisis. Functioning much like a hospital ER, Urgent Care and Crisis Centers accept 24/7/365 walk-ins, as well as ambulance, fire and police drop-offs.

Solari Crisis & Human Services is now fully functional as the statewide call center. Solari‚s Arizona crisis line is one of the top-performing hotlines in the country and has helped thousands of individuals and families get connected to help.

“Solari is honored to partner with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to operate the state‚s new 988 Mental Health Lifeline,” Solari Crisis & Human Services President and CEO Justin Chase said. “Our Oklahoma City call center is fully operational with experienced and well-trained staff who are available 24/7/365 to assist those calling for themselves or a loved one.”

The 988 Mental Health Lifeline launches in Oklahoma after two years of federal legislation signing the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 into law. Oklahoma state legislation has furthered the federal 988 initiative by allocating funds for efforts outside of the call center, including mobile crisis teams, transportation and Urgent Care and Crisis Centers.

For more info about Oklahoma‚s 988 Mental Health Lifeline, visit 988Oklahoma.com.