Suicide Prevention Advocates Stress Importance of 988 Helpline in Oklahoma

Suicide Prevention Advocates Stress Power of 988 Helpline

September Highlights Crisis Awareness

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and advocates are reminding Oklahomans that too many lives are lost to suicide every year.

Helpline Proves Critical Resource

988 helpline director Derek LeMaster says operators can often resolve crises without needing law enforcement.

988 helpline director Derek LeMaster

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“Most of the time our therapists can help de-escalate before it becomes a police matter,” LeMaster explained.

Risk Rises During Holidays

Experts warn that suicides often rise as the holiday season approaches, making early intervention and outreach especially important.

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