Prevention and Recovery Outreach Hosts Summer Bash
On Saturday, June 21, Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Outpatient held a summer bash. The event featured information for the community, and about 100 people attended.
Robert Allen, the 988 Project Director, said the bash was geared toward parents getting needed information, while the kids had their activities.
He said it was amazing hosting the event for the community.
“And see the things that we had to offer and the activities that we had to provide to them. We had face painting, we had smile time, we had snow cones, and also bouncy houses,” Allen said. “And so that was a good activity for the kids to do while their parents come inside and get some information, you know, engage. And so, I believe it was good.”
He said it was good seeing the kids enjoy their time with various activities. The 988 project was visited by families who knew nothing about the program.
“The 988 Project was visited by families who knew nothing about the program,” Allen said. “The Tribal 8 988 Program is a SAMHSA grant program. And what it does is it's a mental health lifeline, crisis lifeline that you can call if you're stressed, depressed or going through any type of situation. It may not be suicidal; it may be substance abuse. You know, you can call that number 988 and they can guide you through any situation you may be having.”
He said the program has become larger across tribes in Oklahoma, and there are monthly meetings.
“We provide information updates on how communities, how they're making progress in their communities as well,” Allen said. “And not only that, we have a summit every year where we collectively get together, and have different keynote speakers, and have different panel discussions. And also, we have asked about progress that we're making in the communities as well.”
Another program feature of Outpatient is Tour.
“That deals with substance abuse, and also they provide classes such as SAE class,” he said. “If you catch or if you get in trouble with a DUI, they can come in and do your classes here. And they also do assessments. And they also provide counseling, and also treatment, and detox.”
Their next event will be a mental health conference on August 11 at the Great Plains Museum.
