SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL YOUTH
At Orthodontic Associates, we are striving to make a positive impact on the mental health of the youth in our community. Our doctors and team interact with patients and their families every day to help you love your smile. And more importantly, we want you to love yourself and love others. Letโs work together to provide the support, resources, love and kindness that we all need.
DIAL 988 TO GET HELP NOW
988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a direct nationwide number for anyone in need.
“The Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health (ODMHSAS) has taken great strides to improve the entire crisis continuum across our state. Whereas previous suicide hotlines were dedicated solely to suicide-related concerns, the 988 Mental Health Lifeline will address any mental health concern, including suicidality. 988 also serves as an access point to the greater Crisis Continuum, including mobile crisis units and transportation for those experiencing mental health concerns that would otherwise be unable to access services,” said Gary Shepherd, Prevention Program, OK State Department.
ACCESS HELPFUL RESOURCES
Mental disorders can begin in childhood. Examples include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Without treatment, these mental health conditions can prevent children from reaching their full potential. Many adults who seek mental health treatment reflect on the impact of mental disorders on their childhood and wish they had received help sooner.
GET THE FACTS
Suicide is a public health problem and leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide can also be prevented โ more investment in suicide prevention, education, and research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans each year.
In Oklahoma, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of dead for ages 10-24. Youth who are contemplating suicide frequently give warning signs. Do not be afraid to ask about suicidal thoughts. Never take warning signs lightly or promise to keep them secret. Recent stats recorded that 71% of communities did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents in 2021, according to federal guidelines and that over five times as many people died by suicide in 2019 than in alcohol related motor vehicle accidents. In Oklahoma alone, there were 869 reported deaths by suicide per 100,000 population.
BULLYING BITES
One in five children in America ages 12-18 experiences bullying annually. Of those bullied, teeth was ranked as the number one feature targeted, according to a study published by the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
At Orthodontic Associates, we are on a mission to make a positive impact on youth mental health in Oklahoma. In an act of solidarity, the American Associates of Orthodontics (AAO), in partnership with Stand for the Silent, and Orthodontic Associates challenges you to take stand against bullying with us.
OUR PARTNERS
As a local orthodontic practice that has been serving Oklahomans for over three decades, we are dedicated to building lasting and trusted relationships with our community partners. We love being a part of this great state, and as your neighbor, we are always looking for ways to support outreach efforts that serve to make positive impacts on our youth.
*Resource materials provided in partnership with Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.