An opportunity for much-needed change
Implementation of 988 offers an opportunity to build and support a comprehensive system of crisis services and support in Massachusetts.
If implemented effectively – and in conjunction with other community-based solutions and investments – 988 call center providers will address callers' issues through support provided over the phone. In cases where such support is not enough, the call center might dispatch support such as mobile crisis intervention teams of behavioral health professionals and peer support. Only in instances where there is an imminent risk of harm to self or others will 988 call centers contact 911. These approaches minimize the need for police response and reduce risks associated with police interventions and potential arrests.
Importantly, in Massachusetts 988 will soon be assisted by the roll out of the Behavioral Health Helpline, part of the Commonwealth's Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform. The helpline is a service staffed by clinicians that offers a robust crisis services system which also could provide real-time appointment scheduling, healthcare navigation, and social services navigation.
The helpline is supported by outside sections 22 and 65 of the state’s FY23 budget which created the Behavioral Health Access and Crisis Intervention Trust Fund. That fund supports not only the helpline but also behavioral health crisis intervention services available 24/7 in mobile and community settings. The fund is supported by a surcharge on payors.
The federal law establishing the 988 system also supports the establishment of local crisis centers and the development and implementation of wraparound crisis care services. A robust implementation of the 988 system will reduce emergency room boarding and divert individuals from police involvement and potential subsequent arrest.
Our current emergency response system, 911, works well for health emergencies, fires, and criminal activity. But behavioral health emergencies are not well-handled by an ambulance, a fire truck, or a police officer. The addition of 988 is one important step in creating an effective behavioral health emergency response system.