NYAPRS Note: NYAPRS is very pleased to see the release of revised legislation identifying key features in the establishment of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system. Great thanks are due to Senator Samra Brouk and Assemlywoman Aileen Gunther for their extraordinary leadership here. The bills are expected to pass both houses in the coming days.
Brouk, Gunther Introduce Revised 988 Bills Detailing Program Expectations
NYS Legislative Mental Health Committee Chairs Senator Samra Brouk and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther have introduced identical legislation (S.6194-B & A.7177-B) that revises and replaces the terms of previous legislation that was supported by both houses and Governor Hochul in the establishment of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system. The NYS Office of Mental Health in consultation with the Office of Addiction and Supports will submit a report indicating how the 9-8-8 program could be implemented to Governor Hochul and the Majority and Minority leaders of both houses by January 21, 2022. Following are key expectation of the report and program:
1. The assurance of twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week state-wide coverage by National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Centers
2. Strategies for identifying and supporting funding streams to meet the projected increase in volume
3. Mechanisms relating to increasing and sustaining capacity for call, chat, text and follow-up at the centers including workforce capacity building and training
4. Proposed operational, clinical and performance standards, including identifying reporting metrics on usage, services and impact, for all Lifeline call centers to be reported annually
5. Proposed linguistically and culturally competent care training standards for all Lifeline call centers
6. Multi-stakeholder input through a 9-8-8 Implementation Coalition
7. Systems to maintain local resource and referral listings, as well as assure linkages to local community crisis services
8. Follow-up services for individuals who contact 9-8-8 through call, text, and chat based on Lifeline best practices and guidelines and
9. Public messaging at the state level to distinguish from 911 and educate the public on the range of 9-8-8 services; which shall include public messaging for underserved and high risk populations.
Both houses are expected to pass this legislation in the coming days.