STROUD, OK – The Sac and Fox Nation, in partnership with the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP), is continuing its 988 campaigns with new public service announcements (PSAs), community event attendance, and additional community-focused resources to further raise awareness about the free and confidential 988 Mental Health Lifeline.
The campaign builds on efforts launched in 2023 to normalize seeking mental health support and reduce stigma in Native communities. This next phase includes culturally relevant video PSAs, tribal and community event outreach, and ongoing education to ensure that tribal members know help is always available—24/7/365—by calling or texting 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org.
“Native American communities have experienced historical oppression, trauma and systemic discrimination which can contribute to mental health struggles, but 988 is there to help,” said Second Chief Audrey Rose Lee (Sac and Fox). “988 is free, confidential and available via phone call or text to all Sac and Fox Nation tribal citizens. Our Nation is built on strength, and when we reduce the stigma around asking for help with mental health struggles, we can empower our community to continue growing in resilience and accessing the care they deserve."
The newest PSAs feature Sac and Fox Nation citizens, and their participation reflects the strength and diversity of the Nation and reinforces the message that seeking help is a sign of resilience, not weakness.
The new videos launch in early April ahead of Jim Thorpe Day, which is a celebration of the Sac and Fox citizen’s extraordinary life and accomplishments, despite the adversity he faced from a young age. Thorpe, who is now well known as one of the greatest athletes of all time, came from extreme poverty, lost his brother and both his parents at an early age, and famously competed and won a gold medal in an Olympic race with mismatched shoes from the trash bin after his were stolen. The messaging behind the campaign mirrors the sentiment around Jim Thorpe’s life – that when faced with adversity we must not give up.
The 988 Mental Health Lifeline offers support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance misuse or emotional distress or can be a resource for those seeking to help people in their family or community who are struggling.
In June 2024, the Sac and Fox Nation conducted a survey at its annual pow wow to understand community awareness of 988 and perceptions of mental health. Nearly 67% of respondents identified fear of judgment or stigma as a barrier to seeking support, while 83% stressed the value of cultural connection in a crisis response.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained professional.
About the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP)
In 1971, fourteen American Indian and Alaska Native physicians endeavored to improve the overall health of their communities, and the Association of American Indian Physicians was born. Today, hundreds of licensed and practicing physicians nationwide are committed to that same mission. AAIP pursues excellence in Native American health care by advocating education in the health sciences and honoring traditional healing principles. In addition, AAIP members directly address widely acknowledged disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native health. For more information, visit aaip.org.
