WE
Need to talk?
Call or text 988 anytime you need help.
BELONG
THERE IS STRENGTH IN ASKING FOR HELP
Sac & Fox brothers and sisters who are struggling: you are not alone. Tatakwi mikechēhiyani - we work together. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, or are just having a tough time and need to talk to someone, call or text 988. You’ll instantly be chatting with a trained crisis counselor who is there to listen and can help connect you to the support you need for free.
HOW 988 HELPS
According to SAMHSA, every 11 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies by suicide, and Native communities have been especially impacted in recent years. In 2021 and 2022, suicide rates rose significantly among American Indian and Alaska Native people. But there is hope. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress. Since launching, 988 has answered more than 14 million calls, texts, and chats. You're not alone. Call, text, or chat 988 to speak with someone who cares.
Historical oppression and trauma in Native American communities has resulted in an increased need for accessible mental health support, as our communities face mental health issues with higher rates of psychological distress compared to the general population.*
Why is 988 important for THE Sac & Fox Nation?
67% of tribal members feel the stigma surrounding mental health often prevents community members from seeking help. *
83% of tribal members emphasized the importance of talking with someone from their own background during a crisis. *
988 Tribal Response provides vital assistance to Sac & Fox members for free.
*Data from 2024 AAIP and Sac & Fox Nation survey.
Need to talk?
Call or text 988 anytime you need help.
About the Sac & Fox Nation 988 Tribal Response Campaign
In 2023, the Sac and Fox Nation received funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support the 988 Tribal Response. This funding aims to raise awareness of the lifeline and improve the community’s overall mental wellness. The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP), a national organization dedicated to Native American healthcare, joined this effort to support the Sac and Fox Nation.
In June 2024, the Sac and Fox Nation’s 988 Tribal Response team, in collaboration with AAIP, developed a custom survey to understand the Nation’s knowledge of 988 and gain insights into Native perceptions of mental health. The survey was distributed at the Sac and Fox Nation Annual Celebration. The team collected 87 responses, with 64% identifying as Sac and Fox members. Notably, 53% of respondents had not heard of 988 before. A significant majority (83%) emphasized the importance of talking with someone from their own background during a crisis. Additionally, nearly 67% mentioned that fear of judgment or stigma around mental health often prevents community members from seeking help.
The Sac & Fox 988 Tribal Response initiative aims to ensure that more tribal members are informed about this free and confidential resource, while also addressing the stigma often associated with seeking mental health support.
Questions? Contact Black Hawk Health Clinic Behavioral Health: 918-968-9531