HHS awards $105 Million to states and territories for 988 call center services

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 04/22/2022 08:00 AM PDT

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HHS awards nearly $105 million to states and territories to strengthen 988 crisis call center services

As part of President Biden’s Mental Health Strategy, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) awarded $105 Million in grant funding, provided by the American Rescue Plan, to 54 states and territories. The funding aims to strengthen crisis call center services in advance of the July transition of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from the current 10-digit number to the 988 three-digit dialing code in July.

States and territories are expected to use the funds to improve response rates, increase capacity to meet future demand, and ensure calls initiated in their states or territories are first routed to local, regional, or state crisis call centers. Award recipients may also use the funds to build the workforce necessary for enhancing local text and chat response.

Please see the HHS press release announcing this funding award and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 988 efforts.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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