Oklahoma's 988 received nearly twice as many calls in its second year: What to know

Calls to Oklahoma's 988 Mental Health Lifeline shot up by 44% in its second full year of operation, a rise officials attribute to growing awareness of the helpline, continued mental health challenges, access to illegal substances and the reduction of stigma surrounding receiving support.

The 988 line is available to or on behalf of people experiencing mental health crises or substance use disorder.

It received 36,493 calls this year, a rise from 25,323 the previous year, and calls have steadily increased as word has spread about the helpline through rigorous advertising campaigns and billboards.

"Celebrating the two-year anniversary of the 988 in Oklahoma, we reaffirm the crucial importance of providing around-the-clock mental health support to those in need," said Allie Friesen, Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services commissioner. "This life-saving service connects individuals to free, immediate assistance and resources, offering a lifeline in moments of mental health-related distress or suicidal crisis."

Here's what to know about the service and its impact in Oklahoma so far:

How did the second year of Oklahoma's 988 Mental Health Lifeline go?

On average, calls to 988 were answered within 12 to 14.5 seconds, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

The department reported that 72% of all calls to 988 are resolved over the phone, and 12% require a mobile dispatch team. Of mobile team response calls, 20% result in additional mental health care.

Most calls come from Oklahoma County at 134.5 calls per 10,000 followed by Choctaw, Okfuskee and Okmulgee counties. Tulsa County receives the sixth-most calls at 67.8 calls per 10,000.

The most common reasons for 988 calls in Oklahoma include:

• 26% coordination of care
• 22% self-harm/suicidal ideation
• 14% depression
• 12% social concerns
• 10% anxiety

As more people become aware of the 988 lifeline and its benefits, they're more likely to reach out for help, said Sasha Teel, the department's chief of staff.

"We are dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and conducting statewide outreach to promote all of our programs and services, including the 988 lifeline," Teel said.

When should you call 988? Lifeline for all Oklahomans, not just those thinking about suicide

Previously, the national suicide lifeline was a 10-digit and harder-to-remember phone number, and specifically targeted those who are dealing with suicidal or self-harm thoughts.

Now, 988 is the three-digit phone number to call in a mental health crisis, whether that is thoughts of suicide, substance abuse issues or other mental health problems, like depression or anxiety. People also can call on behalf of a loved one to get support in a crisis.

More: Should you call 988 or 911 for mental health help? Here's what to know

What happens when you call 988?

When someone calls or texts 988, they're connected to a mental health professional who will talk through a situation and if necessary, connect the caller to other resources. The call can lead to an appointment with a therapist or psychologist.

Most crisis calls will be resolved with a call to the 988 line, according to the state mental health department. But if necessary, Oklahoma’s 988 call center can dispatch a mobile crisis team to come to the caller. The mobile crisis teams include a licensed mental health professional and a certified peer recovery support specialist or case manager.

More: When should you call 988? Oklahoma's mental health lifeline can be used before a crisis

NorthCare, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Oklahoma City, operates a mobile crisis and outreach team called Champions. The team operates 24/7 and is one of the groups on call when someone dials 988. They provide support to individuals with serious mental illness, children and youth with serious emotional disturbance, and people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Mobile crisis teams also can be requested by police .

NorthCare's Champions team responds to about 150 crisis interventions per month. It's not unusual for the team to respond to relatively low-level calls where clients aren't in danger to themselves or others.

"Together, we continue to build a community where help is always within reach," Friesen said. "I look forward to see all the ways we can improve this service even more."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma's 988 received nearly twice as many calls in its second year: What to know