August 10, 2021 – As of October, many states are still scrambling to enact support of the new 988 Behavioral Health Lifeline. The current national suicide crisis number, 800-273-8255 (TALK), will be shortened to 988. This bipartisan initiative improves access so people undergoing a mental health crisis are steered to mental health professionals who are specifically trained to address their needs. By July of 2022, all phone service providers must route 988 calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. See fact sheet here. Vibrant has estimated volume projections and is offering 988 planning grants (Submission date 1/8/2022). Please reach out if Jaspr’s technology-assisted care might help your organization respond to increased demands for screening and assessment, especially given staffing shortages–we’d really like to help.
Resource Link
https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/988-fact-sheet.pdf
About 988 planning grants
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/988-planning-grants/
