Building Trust in the 988 Lifeline: Integrating Imminent Risk Data with the 2024 National Strategy

Body of Abstract: Although a recent Ipsos poll found that approximately four in five Americans trust the 988 Lifeline to provide the help they need (NAMI, 2024), and that this trust is appearing relatively stable over time, concerns about using the service persist. For example, a 2023 Ipsos poll (Pew Charitable Trusts/Ipsos) found that 41% of Americans expressed concerns about a potential law enforcement response when contacting 988, with additional fears about being forced into hospitalization, the lack of privacy, financial burdens, and uncertainty about whether crisis counselors would be equipped to handle their situation. More alarming still, some individuals feared the outcome of reaching out could result in jail time rather than the appropriate support. These concerns highlight potential gaps in the 988 system that need to be addressed in order to ensure the Lifeline is not only trusted, but also a truly safe and equitable resource for those in crisis.

This 60-minute workshop will provide an in-depth exploration of how the findings of a Vibrant white paper summarizing 988 Lifeline imminent risk data, coupled with the strategic objectives of the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, can fundamentally enhance crisis intervention practices. The workshop will feature distinguished experts with a wealth of experience serving in state and federal government, conducting suicide research, providing crisis intervention services through clinical practice and mobile crisis response teams, and serving in key leadership roles across differing organizational models (for profit, not for profit, and governmental) to drive impactful change in improving the quality of support for people in crisis. Through an engaging panel of thought leaders, this workshop will explore how to align data-driven insights with the national strategic objectives to make the 988 Lifeline a safer and more effective service for all.

Introduction (5 minutes): The session will begin with an overview of the workshop’s goals and the relevance of aligning data insights with national strategic goals.
• Moderator: Wendy Martinez Farmer, LPC, MBA, Vice President of 988 Strategy, Grants and Clinical Standards, Vibrant Emotional Health

Presentation 1 (10 minutes): A Review of 988 Lifeline Imminent Risk Data: Key Findings and Recommendations
• Presenter: Christopher W. Drapeau, PhD, Director of Research & Evaluation, Vibrant Emotional Health
o Christopher Drapeau will present a 10-minute summary of the key findings from Vibrant’s imminent risk data white paper, identifying current limitations in the data and definitions and suggesting areas for improvement.

Presentation 2 (10 minutes): Strategies for Equitable and Safer Imminent Risk Responses in Diverse Communities
• Presenter: Johnell Lawrence, Director of Equity & Belonging, Vibrant Emotional Health
o Johnell Lawrence will deliver a 10-minute presentation focused on practical strategies for implementing more equitable and safer imminent risk responses across diverse communities. Drawing on research insights from seven prioritized populations, he will highlight the unique challenges these groups face when accessing crisis services. The presentation will offer actionable strategies to enhance trust, safety, and equity in imminent risk responses.

Presentation 3 (10 minutes): Putting Strategy into Action: Enhancing Crisis Services and Promoting Health Equity
• Presenters:
o Brandon J. Johnson, MHS, MCHES, Chief, Suicide Prevention Branch, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
o Richard McKeon, PhD, MPH, Senior Advisor, 988 & Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
 Brandon Johnson and Richard McKeon will then examine how the findings shared from previous panelists intersect with the 2024 National Strategy and will specifically explore the promise of linking Strategic Directions 2 and 4 with emphasis placed on enhancing crisis care services and embedding health equity into suicide prevention and crisis response initiatives. Presenters will actively engage with the audience in learning their insights and questions about how to put the knowledge gained from this session into action.

Discussion (25 minutes): The discussants will offer insightful commentary and provide a broader perspective on the topics discussed, specifically connecting the findings from the imminent risk data with the strategic objectives of the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. They will encourage thoughtful dialogue among themselves, the presenters, and the audience, emphasizing the development of actionable recommendations for future research directions and collaborative efforts. The focus will be on elevating the overall effectiveness of the 988 Lifeline in handling imminent risk situations and, in particular, enhancing trust and ensuring equitable impact across diverse communities.
• Discussants:
o Jill D. Mays, M.S., LPC, Division Director for Crisis System Transformation, 988 & Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
o Michelle Cornette, PhD, Data Analytics Officer, 988 & Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Please note: A similar presentation will be presented at NatCon25. We are aiming to present it again to reach AAS attendees who did not attend NatCon25. The NatCon25 presentation will not include discussants. Jill and Michelle are new additions to this presentation who will add a big picture lens that takes into consideration the full crisis continuum)