Make It OK is a community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.

1 in 5 will have some kind of mental illness in a given year.

And many don’t get the help they need

It's OK to have a mental illness — many people do.

It's OK to talk about mental illness — talking makes people feel less alone.

It's OK to get help with mental illness — life can get better.

Learn: Healthiest State Initiative seeks to educate about the stigma around mental illness and the damage it can do. By breaking down that stigma, people with mental illnesses will feel safe to talk about them and will find it easier to ask for help in finding treatment and resources.

Talk: Healthiest State Initiative is starting the conversation by introducing the Make it OK campaign to Iowans. It is important that we talk about mental illness in ways that are supportive and open.

Share: Through Make it OK we will provide Iowans with the resources to talk about mental illness so that we can all support those who are struggling to find the resources and treatment they deserve.

Pledge to Make It OK

Make it OK is here to help educate Iowans and get the conversations going. Take the online pledge to stand up to mental illness stigma in Iowa, then start by learning what a mental illness really is. Then, find out what to say and not to say when someone opens up to you. You can also help others by sharing your own story to help people know they aren’t alone.

Take the Pledge

How to Engage with Make It OK

Are you looking to reduce stigma in your workplace or organization? Join us as a registered Make It OK site!
REGISTER HERE
Are you passionate about reducing stigma in your community? Sign up to become an Ambassador.
SIGN UP
Learn more about mental illness and how to be supportive.
How to talk about mental illness
Common mental illnesses
How to help someone in crisis
Funds raised for Make It OK will help us host more free ambassador trainings and create resources for all Iowans to use.
DONATE
Order Make It OK promotional products, attend an upcoming Make It OK event or request a speaker to plan your own!
Order Promotional Items
View Calendar of Events
Request Make It OK Speaker
The Make It OK Mural was created in May 2024 to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. Visit the mural at the CarePro Health Services building in Cedar Rapids!
LEARN MORE
Read first-hand stories from Iowans who want to share their personal stories of living with mental illness in an effort to reduce stigma for others.
READ HERE
Hear from 7 brave Iowans who live with a mental illness and learn about common conditions from experts.
LISTEN

Mental Health Support & Crisis Lines

It's OK to not be OK. Make It OK is a champion for everyone, but we know that more specific help might be needed. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are phone numbers and websites to reach our to for immediate help and guidance on next steps.

Here are some tools to help you cope.

Crisis Hotlines

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

Your Life Iowa: If you need someone to talk or if you need help accessing mental health resources; available 24/7 to talk over phone, text or live chat.

Call: (855) 581-8111
Text: (855) 895-8398
Chat: YourLifeIowa.org

The Trevor Project: World’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.

Call: 866-488-7386
Text: 678-678

Non-Crisis Hotlines

NAMI Iowa:

Email: info@namiiowa.org
Phone: 515-254-0417 (Weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Iowa Office of Recovery Services: helps people navigate Iowa’s mental health and substance use systems. They ensure the voices of lived experience are heard and represented in policy change and system improvement.

Email: info@orsiowa.org
Toll-free: 855-622-4692 (Weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Iowa Compass: resources and services database and referral line for people with disabilities and complex health needs