By Fox23.com News Staff
The future of Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline could depend on action at the State Capitol this year, as federal funding for the service is set to expire this summer.
Federal grants that currently fund 988 are scheduled to end in June, prompting Oklahoma lawmakers to push for a state-funded solution to keep the hotline operating.
State Senator Brenda Stanley (R–Midwest City) has filed legislation that would move funding for 988 to the state level. She said the service has become a vital part of Oklahoma’s mental health response system.
“It really has been a game changer for Oklahoma,” Stanley said. “With this funding, we’ll be able to keep 988.”
The 988-hotline launched in Oklahoma in 2022 and provides 24/7 mental health crisis support, offering an alternative to calling 911 for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
Stanley said the service has helped reduce strain on emergency rooms and first responders.
“988 has kept people out of the emergency room,” she said. “It’s unclogged 911 by diverting those calls to 988.”
Under the proposed plan, lawmakers would appropriate $5.7 million annually to fund the hotline. Stanley said about $1.1 million of that could still be offset by federal dollars.
Since its launch, the hotline has seen heavy use. In its first year, about 40,000 calls were made from Oklahomans seeking help. Today, state data shows roughly 7,000 to 9,000 calls are made each month.
Mental health providers said the demand continues to grow.
“At any given time, the phone rings essentially off the hook,” said Jordan Westbrook, Adult Services Vice President with Grand Mental Health. “We’re constantly fielding calls.”
Organizations like Grand Mental Health in Tulsa rely on 988 as a key part of their crisis response network, working closely with the hotline to connect people to immediate care.
Westbrook said losing the service would have serious consequences.
“Without 988 and access to care 24/7, we would likely see an increase in suicide completions and more people unable to access the care they need,” he said.
While the proposal has bipartisan support, funding remains the biggest hurdle. Lawmakers are working within a tight budget, and some state agencies may be asked to keep spending flat — similar to last year.
Despite that challenge, Senator Stanley said she’s confident the legislation will pass.
Service providers said any investment in 988 is an investment in public safety and public health, especially as mental health needs continue to rise across Oklahoma.
“It would not be good for the community or the state of Oklahoma if we didn’t have 988,” Westbrook said.
To read the full bill, click here.
