Nation-led events will raise awareness of 988, reduce stigma and connect community members with suicide prevention resources
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Sac and Fox Nation will mark September's National Suicide Prevention Month with two public events in partnership with the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP): a teal-and-yellow lighting of Oklahoma City's SkyDance Bridge on Sept. 12 and a 988 awareness powwow Sept. 11-12 at the Nation's powwow grounds in Stroud.
The bridge colors carry meaning: teal represents the Nation's community outreach campaign, webelong988.com, while yellow reflects the Nation's Sauk name, often translated as "people of the yellow earth." Both events support the Nation's ongoing 988 awareness campaign, "We Belong. There is strength in asking for help."
"Our Nation has always drawn strength from community and from each other," said Samantha Pleets, BS, BHCM II, BHWC, PRSS, Behavioral Health Case Manager II, Black Hawk Health Center – Sac and Fox Nation. "988 is one more resource available to Sac and Fox people and to everyone. It's a reminder that asking for help is okay and there is value in every person."
988 Awareness Rises Among Sac and Fox Community
The Sac and Fox Nation's 988 campaign has seen growing awareness since its 2024 launch. The Nation measures awareness through surveys conducted at annual health fairs, powwows and other community events. Among survey respondents, awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline increased from 47% at baseline to 69% in the pooled follow-up surveys. During the same period, the percentage of respondents who identified fear of judgment as a barrier to seeking help declined from 66% to 59% [1].
The campaign was developed in partnership with AAIP, with funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Campaign materials feature Sac and Fox citizens, Sauk applique and other cultural touchstones.
988 Powwow to Bring Community Together
The 988 Powwow will be held Sept. 11-12 at the Sac and Fox Nation's powwow grounds in Stroud, featuring intertribal dancing and contests, along with Swan and Pipe Dances — signature traditional dances of the Sac and Fox Nation — as well as a remembrance walk, woodland exhibition and special 988 Dance. Attendees can learn about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with free prevention resources.
Oklahoma's Challenges
According to the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative's 2025 report, Suicide and Suicidality in Oklahoma: Trends, Risks, and Prevention Strategies, Oklahoma has experienced suicide rates above the national average for nearly two decades and continues to rank among the 10 states with the highest suicide rates in the country. The report also found that rates have increased faster in Oklahoma than nationally, with disproportionate impacts in rural communities and among Native Americans and white Oklahomans.
The report emphasizes the need for early intervention. While suicide death rates are lower among youth than adults, suicidality is highest among young Oklahomans, with nearly 1 in 7 youth ages 12 to 17 reporting serious thoughts of suicide and 4.4% reporting a suicide attempt.
These findings highlight the importance of making prevention resources familiar and accessible before a crisis occurs. For the Sac and Fox Nation, that means integrating resources such as 988 into everyday community conversations and activities.
Resources
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide can call or text 988 any time of the day or night to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. To learn more about the Sac and Fox Nation's 988 awareness campaign, visit webelong988.com.
Survey Methodology
[1] Surveys were administered in written and online formats at Sac and Fox Nation community events over three consecutive years. The 2024 survey established a baseline with 87 respondents at the Sac and Fox Nation Health Fair. In 2025, 252 people responded to surveys at the Health Fair and Kids Fair held during the Nation's 60th Annual Powwow. In 2026, an additional 162 people participated. Together, the 2025 and 2026 responses comprise a 414-person pooled follow-up dataset used to assess changes in awareness and attitudes following the campaign's launch.
About the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP)
In 1971, 14 American Indian and Alaska Native physicians came together to improve the health of their communities, giving rise to the Association of American Indian Physicians. Today, hundreds of licensed and practicing physicians nationwide are committed to that mission. AAIP works to improve Native American health through advocacy, education in the health sciences and the incorporation of traditional healing principles. AAIP members also address longstanding health disparities affecting American Indian and Alaska Native communities. For more information, visit aaip.org.
