'Reach Out': 988 Mental Health Lifeline PSA To Air During Super Bowl

Three digits can save a life.

“988 is a resource for not just crisis situations but also for individuals to link to services in their community, to learn more about what resources might be available,” said behavioral health expert Jeff Dismukes. 

That number now has an even bigger opportunity to save more lives.

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A public service announcement by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is set to air during one of the most-watched events of the year: the Super Bowl.

“That's certainly a time where you’re gonna reach those individuals and reach a larger part of that population…it's also interesting to bring up these discussions in that type of arena at that time because it's not typically what you’re going to see,” Dismukes said.

He said the PSA, titled “Fake,” will discuss mental health and suicide among men, and the core message is to remind people that they do not need to hide their emotions and that help is available

With men, we often mask our feelings as we move forward and think somehow that's what we’re supposed to do, but that just makes the situation worse,” Dismukes said. 

Dismukes praises the positive impact the ad can bring and says when people access the right resources at the right time, they often have incredible outcomes.

“There is a resource that you can call, you don’t have to suffer in silence…reach out and there’s an importance in reaching out,” he said. 

He says Oklahoma is setting an example in normalizing mental health on a national stage.

“I absolutely believe that Oklahoma can be a state to lead the nation in behavioral health and set a standard for all others to follow,” he said. 

You can catch the PSA during the big game on Sunday night.

To talk with a trained professional who is ready to get you connected with the right resources in your community, simply call or text the number 988. 

For more information on the PSA, CLICK HERE.

For more information on 988, CLICK HERE.