Local Artists Partner With 988 Oklahoma For Youth Mental Health Awareness

A new campaign by The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is raising awareness for the crisis lifeline 988.

The campaign's goal is to reach younger Oklahomans and help them learn about mental health in an easy way.

“You have to meet people where they’re at and share a story that motivates them if they’re struggling to reach out for help, and that’s always the hardest thing. It’s always incredibly hard to say, 'hey, I need help with something,' especially whenever you feel like it’s internal or it’s with you. And so creating specialized messages and public service announcements helps people realize they’re not alone," explained Bonnie Campo, ODMHSAS Senior Director of Public Relations.

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services teamed up with local artists, Mallory Eagle and Charissa Champion.

The two created the Call Center Critters, a group of animated characters serving as the new mascots for 988 Oklahoma.

The "Calm Your Inner Critter" music video aims to raise awareness among Oklahoma youth about the mental health resources accessible through 988.

“Parents may have had questions, you know, 'what is 988 or how can my kids use 988?' So, removing the stigma out of the mental health conversation, but also letting people know this is a resource that’s available 24/7, 365. It’s only been around a year, so we have to do a lot of education awareness,” Campo said.

Those with the organization hope to share the campaign with schools and communities across the state.

CLICK HERE for more information about 988.