State-Led Innovations in Crisis Services: A Closer Look at 988 Lifeline Contracts

By: Erica Stokes

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been operational for two years, and states across the country are taking innovative steps to expand and enhance crisis services tailored to their unique needs. Recent contract awards in states like Massachusetts, Colorado, Nevada, and Georgia are key examples of how state governments are building robust, state-specific crisis response systems.

In Colorado, the Behavioral Health Administration awarded a $10.4 million contract to Solari Crisis & Human Services. This five-year contract aims to manage the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, offering a comprehensive system that includes a hotline, warm-line, text-line, and chat services. Solari’s role is crucial in establishing a statewide system capable of serving children, adolescents, and adults in crisis situations, providing timely and effective support.

Massachusetts has also made significant strides by awarding five new contracts totaling $16.6 million to support its 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network. These contracts are designed to enhance crisis call center operations, ensuring that individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts have access to immediate support.

Nevada has focused on building infrastructure with its contract awarded to Carelon Behavioral Health, Inc., to establish a centralized call center capable of operating 24/7/365. This call center is a critical component in ensuring that residents of Nevada have continuous access to crisis support services.

Georgia has been at the forefront of crisis intervention for many years, largely due to the established Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL). Launched in 2006, GCAL has been providing a comprehensive, 24/7 crisis support system that connects individuals to mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability services. The existing infrastructure of GCAL played a crucial role in facilitating the transition to the 988 Lifeline within the state. Georgia’s proactive approach in mental health crisis management, exemplified by GCAL, has allowed for a smooth integration with the national 988 system. This integration ensures that Georgians have continuous and reliable access to crisis support, further solidifying the state’s leadership in mental health services.

These state-led initiatives reflect the diverse needs and challenges faced by different regions. By tailoring their crisis response systems to the specific demands of their populations, states like Georgia, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Nevada are setting a precedent for how the 988 Lifeline can be effectively integrated into broader mental health services. As more states follow suit, we can expect to see further innovations and improvements in crisis intervention services across the nation.

Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) | Georgia Collaborative

988 Lifeline – If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.

References

Oss, M. E. (2024, August 22). Two years & counting. OPEN MINDS. Retrieved from Two Years & Counting – OPEN MINDS.