Crisis Response for All: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Populations with the 988 Lifeline
By: Erica Stokes
Crisis Response for All: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Populations with the 988 Lifeline
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was established to provide support to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, yet data shows that certain populations—particularly people of color, younger individuals, and those in rural areas—are at a higher risk of suicide. Recognizing this, several states are taking steps to ensure that the lifeline is accessible and effective for all communities, particularly those that have been historically underserved.
Minnesota has taken a proactive approach by issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) aimed at developing public awareness campaigns specifically tailored to culturally diverse populations. The state’s Department of Health is seeking to implement a statewide campaign focused on American Indian, Asian American, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino communities. The goal is to increase awareness, trust, and use of the 988 Lifeline among these groups, who are often at higher risk for suicide due to a range of social and economic factors (Oss, 2024).
Similarly, New Jersey is working to enhance its crisis response system by focusing on mobile crisis outreach teams that can respond to individuals in non-life-threatening situations who have contacted the 988 Lifeline. The state has awarded contracts to several organizations, including Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, Inc., Care Plus NJ, Inc., and Legacy Treatment Services, Inc., to provide these critical services in diverse and densely populated areas like Essex and Hudson counties (Oss, 2024).
Georgia has also made significant strides in ensuring the 988 Lifeline reaches diverse populations across urban, suburban, and rural areas. The state’s existing Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) laid a strong foundation for the integration of the 988 Lifeline, facilitating comprehensive crisis response services statewide. To further promote the lifeline, Georgia has employed a multi-faceted public awareness campaign, which includes the strategic placement of billboards across the state. These billboards serve as a visible reminder that help is always available, particularly in areas where mental health resources may be limited.
Moreover, First Lady Marty Kemp has played a pivotal role in raising awareness for the 988 Lifeline through her campaign aimed at reaching all Georgians, regardless of location or background. Her efforts have been crucial in spreading the message that the 988 Lifeline is a vital resource for anyone in crisis, emphasizing the importance of accessible mental health support across the state. This campaign has included targeted outreach efforts to ensure that the message of hope and help reaches even the most remote and underserved communities in Georgia (Oss, 2024).
These initiatives demonstrate the importance of culturally competent crisis intervention services. By tailoring outreach and response efforts to meet the needs of specific populations, states like Minnesota, New Jersey, and Georgia are working to ensure that the 988 Lifeline is a truly inclusive resource. Georgia’s commitment to reaching diverse populations through widespread campaigns and leadership initiatives offers a model for other states seeking to enhance their crisis response systems and better serve all communities.
References
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. (2024). Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) and 988 Lifeline integration. Retrieved from Georgia DBHDD website.
Office of the Governor of Georgia. (2024). First Lady Marty Kemp’s 988 Lifeline Awareness Campaign. Retrieved from Governor’s Office website.
Oss, M. E. (2024, August 22). Two years & counting. OPEN MINDS. Retrieved from https://openminds.com/market-intelligence/executive-briefings/two-years-counting/.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: State innovations and initiatives. Retrieved from SAMHSA website.