Oregon Health Authority receives $3.6M 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Services Programs from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Oregon cooperative agreement to build 988 capacity - project abstract summary: Oregon cooperative agreement to build 988 capacity Oregon will support trainings and operational needs to scale the 988 and behavioral health crisis system workforce, promote enhanced community outreach with partners like certified community behavioral health clinics (ccbhc), continue with marketing and engagement with Oregon populations most risk, and improve access to evidenced-based treatments aligned with the strategic priorities of SAMHSA. Specific objectives include: raising in-state answer capacity to meet or exceed 90% goals continuing statewide marketing and community engagement activities to build trust and awareness of when to reach out to 988 and what to expect when calling establishing tribal partnerships and enhancing interoperability with mobile crisis and public safety services strengthen capacity for 988 Oregon 988 centers to meet network goals of quality assurance, follow-up, cybersecurity protections, and streamlined resource referrals Oregon provides services across the lifespan for youth, adult and senior populations. Based on suicide risk data Oregon also observes particular need to prioritize 988 outreach among: people who live in rural areas; veterans and individuals and families who have served in the military; tribal communities; older adults; young adults; people living with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions; people with substance use disorders; people with disabilities; people employed in the construction industry; socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals and those involved in criminal justice systems. Oregon, it's 988 centers, and community partners will support enhancements in coordination with ccbhc’s, crisis stabilization services, outpatient programs; strategically marketing to priority at risk populations and community partners. Through this we project an increase in utilization and workforce needs. Hiring and training of workforce will run parallel to outreach strategies and Oregon will balance growing awareness with operational needs to sustain in-state answer rates at or above 90%. Oregon will further expand progress in quality assurance, follow-up care, and robust data collection and analysis. Enhancing outreach to those at most risk and scaling 988 call centers to be sustainable with the increased capacity is essential to ensuring oregonians have access to quality evidenced-based crisis services and promote individuals achieve long-term recovery.