Introduction
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number provides an alternative to 911 for Arizonans experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency. A new report looked at each state’s rollout and found Arizona has done well but can improve in some areas.
Current Performance
The mental health advocacy group Inseparable said Arizona’s 988 call answer rate sits just below the goal of 90%. The report highlighted Arizona’s Medicaid agency sets performance standards for contracted providers and requires them to collect data and share it.
Ensuring Crucial Help
Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for Inseparable, emphasized the importance of ensuring those in mental health emergencies receive the help they need. She stated, “One of the pieces that we focus a lot on is sustainable financing. We recognize that crisis services are something that ought to be available to everyone, 24/7, regardless of their ability to pay, just like we expect fire trucks to come if there’s a fire.”
Funding Challenges
While Congress has provided federal dollars to bolster local and regional call centers’ capacities, funding isn’t infinite. Kimball contended states need to develop better ways to support crisis services and not be solely dependent on Medicaid. A possible solution could be enacting a 988 surcharge to generate up to $7 million annually in Arizona.
Accountability and Improvement
The report showed Arizona’s “just serve” approach is making a difference. It provides 24/7 crisis stabilization services without denying care to those with complex or severe conditions. Kimball argued it is important because it ensures a response. Her group contended Arizona policymakers can do more to better promote coordination, measurement, and other metrics to optimize crisis response.
Long-term Sustainability
Kimball stressed, “By having these accountability pieces, this allows legislators to oversee the system over the long-haul and to set up the structures for continuous learning, continuous system improvement.” Effective crisis services can help people get on a road to recovery but only if the system is built to be sustainable. She commended states who have taken steps in the right direction but acknowledged as a whole, the country has a long way to go.
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