On Thursday, July 11, Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant)’s VP of 988 Strategy, Grants and Clinical Standards Wendy Martinez Farmer, Director of Equity & Belonging Johnell Lawrence, and Public Policy Coordinator Katie Keys attended a 988 Lifeline Roundtable hosted by Representatives Steny Hoyer and Glenn Ivey at a Maryland crisis center, Community Crisis Services Inc (CCSI), in celebration of the second anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline). 

They were joined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Assistant Secretary Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Community Crisis Services, Inc. (CCSI) Maryland CEO Tim Jansen, Maryland Assistant Secretary for Health Policy Marie L. Grant, and various other 988 Lifeline stakeholders. Numerous issues were discussed during the roundtable, including the need for further investment in the 988 Lifeline and the broader crisis services continuum, why georouting is needed, and continuing to raise awareness of the 988 Lifeline. 

The event was an intimate celebration of the second anniversary of the 988 Lifeline’s creation, underscoring the crucial importance of providing individuals in crisis with accessible and expeditious support. Community Crisis Services, Inc., one of the leading crisis centers in Maryland, was selected as the event location. It serves as one of the two crisis centers in the 988 Lifeline network that provides ASL video phone support.