The Public Policy & Government Affairs (PPGA) department at Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) is excited to announce the addition of new resources for state stakeholders to our website. These resources have been meticulously developed by our partners at the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), leveraging expertise and experience in mental health policy to support states in their ongoing efforts to financially sustain the contact centers of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline). These tools will help guide policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders as they work to secure funding and build effective systems to meet the needs of their communities.

What’s New?

• 988 Fee FAQs
  This document answers frequently asked questions about 988 fees. It explains how these fees can be implemented at the state level, their potential impact on sustaining the centers that are part of the 988 Lifeline, and best practices for transparency and accountability. This document is valuable for anyone seeking to understand the financial mechanisms that support crisis services.
   
• 988 Fee Model Bill Template
  This model bill template is a flexible starting point for states looking to establish or refine their 988 fee legislation. It outlines key components and language that can be easily adapted to local contexts while ensuring alignment with federal guidelines and best practices, allowing you to tailor it to your needs.

Why These Resources Matter

The 988 Lifeline is a vital service that connects individuals in crisis with trained counselors and support. However, sustaining and expanding this service requires dedicated funding and clear legislative frameworks. These new resources aim to simplify the process for state leaders, enabling them to build robust systems that meet the needs of their communities.

Whether you’re an advocate supporting policy change, a legislator drafting bills, a community leader seeking to educate others, or a concerned citizen interested in mental health support, these tools can help you take meaningful action.

Get Involved

We encourage everyone to explore and share these resources with their state stakeholders. By doing so, we can collectively strengthen the 988 Lifeline and sustainably support every contact center. Let’s make these resources known and put them to good use!

For more updates and tools, visit the PPGA website or contact our team at policy@vibrant.org. Let’s continue working to make mental health support accessible for everyone!