178,000 Oklahomans served by 988 in three years.
This month marks the third anniversary of Oklahoma’s launch of 988, the state’s simple, three-digit mental health lifeline. Since going live, the service has helped connect more than 178,000 Oklahomans to prompt, compassionate support for mental health struggles, substance use issues, and suicide crises, according to Solari Crisis & Human Services, the state’s primary 988 call center provider.
Oklahoma’s 988 Crisis Line Celebrates Three Years of Life-Saving Support
This month marks three years since Oklahoma launched 988, the state’s easy-to-remember mental health lifeline. Since its debut, the line has connected more than 178,000 Oklahomans to immediate, compassionate support for mental health, substance use and suicide crises, according to Solari Crisis & Human Services, Oklahoma’s largest 988 call center provider.
“988 has become a vital part of Oklahoma’s behavioral health safety net,” said Interim Commissioner Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic. “Every day, Oklahomans in crisis are met with compassion, expertise and a clear path to help when they need it most.”
Launched in July 2022, ODMHSAS’s 988 service replaced the longer National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This change made it easier and faster for people to reach trained behavioral health professionals in their moments of greatest need. Nearly 87 percent of crises are resolved right over the phone without the need for law enforcement or emergency medical services.
When additional support is needed, 988 staff can dispatch mobile crisis teams and connect individuals to nearby Urgency Recovery Clinics and Crisis Centers.
“988 is more than a number. It’s a lifeline that saves lives and offers hope around the clock,” said Solari CEO Justin Chase. “We’re grateful to stand alongside thousands of Oklahomans each year, helping them navigate through their toughest moments and toward recovery.”
Data from Oklahoma’s 988 dashboard shows most people contact the lifeline because of suicidal thoughts, feelings of depression or anxiety or for help with coordinating their mental health care. Calls come from all across the state, from rural communities to Oklahoma City and Tulsa, showing the broad impact of this essential service.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait. Call or text the 988 Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline for free, confidential support.
988 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Oklahomans can call or text 988 any time they are experiencing a mental health emergency, need support for substance use or want guidance on how to help a friend or loved one.
For more information, visit 988Oklahoma.com.
Oklahoma is the first state to feature the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on a state license plate. The public may order the plate now for $40, a fee which must be renewed annually. More than half of the fee, $25, will go to fund suicide prevention efforts coordinated by the Alliance of Mental Health Providers of Oklahoma in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health.
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