BarkleyOKRP Drives Powerful Mental Health Message for National Suicide Prevention Month

BarkleyOKRP, in partnership with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, has launched a powerful new campaign, “Get The Words Out,” for National Suicide Prevention Month. Drawing from real, raw calls made to 988, the campaign emphasises the courage it takes to ask for help and encourages others to do the same. This innovative initiative deploys a fleet of neon-lit trucks featuring actual quotes from anonymous callers, such as “umm, hi. I just need someone to talk to,” bringing this life-saving message to the streets of Kansas City.

The new initiative was created to raise awareness of the 988 Lifeline and reduce the stigma of asking for help in times of mental health struggles. The "Get The Words Out" campaign is supported by a fleet of custom-designed trucks outfitted with neon signs that display quotes from real, anonymous callers who have used the lifeline. The trucks also display the message “Real Calls, Real Help,” tapping into the two individuals on the line: the caller and the operator. “Real Calls” refers to the illuminated quotes from callers, while “Real Help” highlights the trained 988 counsellors who serve as active fighters alongside callers in their mental health battle.

“The sad truth is: all too often those who are lost to suicide die in silence. We wanted to break down the biggest barrier to receiving support for mental health: asking for it,” said Katy Hornaday, chief creative officer at BarkleyOKRP. “That’s what inspired us to find a way to shine a literal light on the first words, whatever they might be, to save a life. The signs act as both a celebration of these words and simple script for those who need to get the words out.”

Throughout the month of September in honor of Suicide Prevention Month, the “Support Fleet” will travel across the Kansas City metro area to illuminate the night with its neon-lit caller quotes. The fleet will be present at many high-traffic areas like Kauffman Stadium, T-Mobile Center/Power & Light District and the River Market. It will also travel to mental health-focused events, and communities at greater risk like rural communities and schools.

“Last year, Missouri lost 1,219 lives to suicide,” said Kristin Feeback, president and CEO of CommCARE. “By taking our Support Fleet into the streets to meet our residents where they are at, we hope to see that number lessen by elevating awareness of 988’s resources and encouraging anyone in crisis to make that first call for help.”