The Muscogee Creek Nation has joined forces with a mental health hotline to offer support to its members in need. Known as 988, the hotline is a valuable resource that individuals can call or text if they are struggling with mental health issues. The operators of the hotline will connect callers to any resources they may require.
The partnership with 988 has allowed the Muscogee Creek Nation to transfer tribal members who call to the program within the tribal health department. As a result, Creek Nation members can receive outpatient therapy at one of the tribe’s six clinics on the reservation. Tyler Stone, project director for Native Connections, hopes that this option will encourage tribal members to seek help when needed.
In addition to connecting callers with resources within their own tribe, 988 also allows tribal members to access services outside of their tribe if they choose to do so. This means that individuals who are native can speak with someone within their own tribe if they call the hotline. Furthermore, Creek Nation members can also utilize a mental health crisis text line by texting Creek to 741741. This resource is available for any type of crisis, not just suicide. Overall, the partnership between the Muscogee Creek Nation and 988 is an important step towards providing comprehensive mental health support for tribal members in need.
