California Dedicates $20 Million To Support Its New ‘988’ Mental Health Crisis Hotline

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is investing $20 million in the state’s network of emergency call centers to support the launch of a new 988 hotline, an alternative to 911 for people seeking help during a mental health crisis. This federal grant funding will bolster call centers that will support 988.

Currently, 13 call centers in California, both public and private, take calls that come from the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Those centers will start receiving calls to 988 when the service starts in July 2022. Until then, anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress . . .