Callers, chatters, or texters will speak with a trained Lifeline counselor who will assess their immediate needs to determine what level of support and/or response is needed. In most cases, about 80% of the time, the person reaching out can be supported by the call counselor and provided community-based resources for follow-up -- like a behavioral health agency to call, if needed, or a warm transfer to an agency for an appointment. For about 20% of people who call, a mobile response unit is sent to help the person who called. The mobile response may look different from community to community. Some communities have either youth or adult mobile response that is dispatched from a behavioral health agency. Other communities may have a shared response model that includes a first responder along with a clinical counselor to ensure the person in crisis receives the appropriate care.
One year of operations of 988 is being fully funded in Ohio using federal dollars that the state has dedicated for this purpose. The DeWine Administration and the Ohio Legislature are collaborating to determine the appropriate, sustainable plan for 988 to ensure its long-term success.
For more information visit mha.ohio.gov/988