Hardware

Oklahoma nonprofit launches mental health kiosk

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April 20, 2026

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A ribbon-cutting ceremony in downtown Oklahoma City marked the launch of the Hope Booth, according to a KOCO News report.

The Hope Booth is a redesigned telephone booth that provides free, interactive mental health support. It is located in The Underground, a network of pedestrian tunnels beneath downtown Oklahoma City that connects office buildings, shops and public spaces. The installation is intended to offer a quick and approachable way for people to connect with mental health resources.

The Hope Booth serves as an interactive kiosk that guides users through a short experience designed to assess and support their emotional state. Visitors begin by rating their level of hope on a scale from one to five, after which the system offers breathing exercises and encouraging messages developed in collaboration with social workers and a scientific advisory team.

In addition to emotional support, the booth connects users to practical resources within a five-mile radius. These include shelters, food banks, financial assistance and immigration services, organized into multiple categories to help users quickly identify relevant support. Gloria Umanah, founder and CEO of Hope Booth, told the news outlet the concept was inspired by her own experiences and reflects a broader effort to address gaps in awareness and access to community services, particularly as suicide rates continue to pose a significant public health concern.

The nonprofit behind the initiative is working with partners to fund and expand the program, with Oklahoma-based company Simple Modern sponsoring the local installation. Organizers plan to deploy up to 100 booths worldwide, including in communities affected by gun violence, as part of a broader mission to promote mental health awareness and connect individuals with critical support services.