Messages of support written on a “HOPE” banner during the “Out of the Darkness” community walk, date and location unknown | Image courtesy of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, St. George News
St. George — Two years after Congress designated the new 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a new report examines states’ progress and finds that Utah is performing well in terms of its response.
The mental health advocacy group Inseparable uncovered the 988 call in Utah. The response rate was 94%..
Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer at Inseparable, said the report is intended to spark a conversation about what is needed at the state level. Mental Health Emergency You can get the critical help you need.
“Our biggest focus is on sustainable funding,” Kimball said. “We recognize that just as a fire truck should be available when there’s a fire, emergency response services should be available 24/7 to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Kimball acknowledged that Congress has provided federal funding to help local and municipal governments improve their capacity. Regional Call CenterThe funding won’t last forever.
She argued that state lawmakers should look at alternative funding sources rather than relying so heavily on Medicaid. One solution could be to enact a 988 surcharge to generate up to $3.2 million per year for Utah, according to Inseparable.
Reports Utah’s administrative rules are robust, including requirements for qualifications for emergency responders and statewide crisis line standards, which Kimball noted will streamline procedures and strengthen workforce capacity.
She added that the consequences of not having the right response systems in place could have real-world implications.
“People aren’t getting help, they’re being thrown out onto the streets, they’re being put in jail, they’re being taken to the emergency room, they’re being voluntarily or involuntarily hospitalized or they’re tragically losing their lives,” Kimball said.
Kimball argued that with the right approach, people can be put on the path to recovery. While Utah has created an advisory committee for the hotline and requires annual reporting, the report suggested the state would benefit from better coordination of the system and better data collection.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988.
Lyrics by Alex Gonzalez (Producer) Public news service.
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