Three digits can save lives.
“988 is not only a resource for those in crisis, but also a resource for individuals to link to services in their community to learn more about what resources are available to them,” said behavioral health expert Jeff. Dismukes said.
This number gives us an even greater chance of saving more lives.
The public service announcement by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will be aired during the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched events of the year.
“It's certainly a time to reach those people and reach a large portion of that population… It's also interesting to take these discussions in that kind of arena at that time, because it's not something you normally see. Because there isn’t,” Dismukes said.
He said the PSA will be titled “Fake” and will discuss men's mental health and suicide, with the central message being to remind people that they don't have to hide their feelings and that help is available. He said that there is.
“For men, we often hide our feelings when we move on and think that's what we're supposed to do, but that only makes the situation worse,” Dismukes said. Told.
Dismukes praises the positive impact of advertising and says that when people access the right resources at the right time, great results are often achieved.
“There are resources you can call. You don't have to suffer in silence… Reach out. There's an importance in reaching out,” he said.
He says Oklahoma is setting an example in normalizing mental health on the national stage.
“I absolutely believe that Oklahoma can lead the nation in behavioral health and be a state that can set the standard for other states to follow,” he said.
You'll get a PSA during Sunday night's big game.
To speak with a trained professional, simply call or text 988 and we'll connect you with the right resources in your community.
Click here for more information on PSA.
Click here to learn more about 988.
