Permanent Funding for 988 Passes

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 3, 2024) – Advocates and legislators today applauded final passage in the Maryland General Assembly of legislation that establishes a permanent funding source for the state’s 988 helpline system. The measure, SB974/HB933, received broad bipartisan support in both the Senate and House of Delegates and now goes to Governor Wes Moore, who has expressed strong support for it.

The bill establishes a new 25 cents per month 988 telecom fee modeled after the funding mechanism for 911. This nominal fee on cell phone and landlines will generate more than $25 million each year and will allow the state’s 988 call centers to hire more staff, invest in technology, and prepare for continued growth in the demand for 988 and behavioral health services. Calls have increased over 50% since the 988 launch and text messages have increased over 1000%. For more information on the 988 helpline and this legislation, please visit the Fund MD 988 Campaign website.

A permanent funding source was urgently needed to ensure that Maryland’s 988 helpline remains fully funded when current federal grants and state appropriations run out next year. Dedicated revenue gives the state and 988 helplines the budget predictability needed to plan for system improvements and continued growth. The 988 system was launched less than two years ago and the state must make system enhancements such as expanding text message capacity and 988 system integration. Eight other states have already created a 988 telecom fee, including Virginia and Delaware, and many others are currently considering the option. 

“The mental health needs of Marylanders have never been greater and 988 is here to help,” said Dan Rabbitt, policy director at Behavioral Health System Baltimore and representative of the Fund MD 988 Campaign. “With the passage of this landmark legislation, Maryland will have the resources it needs to invest in the 988 helpline and provide support to all Marylanders in crisis.”

Since its launch in 2022, 988 has provided 24/7, free supportive counseling and referrals to all Marylanders who call or text. These services are effective at preventing suicide and resolving other emotional distress or crises. Over 80% of all calls are resolved successfully over the phone. For situations that cannot be resolved over the phone, 988 counselors can dispatch mental health teams and can respond to people in the community to keep them safe. Fewer than 2% of calls are transferred to 911.

“We have seen enormous growth in the number of people seeking help through 988, and we worked to make sure that 988 would always be there for them,” said Sen. Guy Guzzone (Howard Co.), the lead Senate sponsor. “We have now established a permanent funding source with strong bipartisan support that will allow us to strengthen the 988 system and better meet the needs of Marylanders in crisis.”

“This is an important step forward in our efforts to strengthen the state’s crisis response system,” said Del. Jessica Feldmark (Howard Co.), the lead House sponsor. “The 988 helpline is a critical and life-saving service that our communities need - especially our young people. This bill will make sure this vitally important resource is there for them for years to come.” 

“Unfortunately, we see everyday that the demand for crisis help continues to grow in our communities,” said Jonathan Davis, executive director at Baltimore Crisis Response Inc., which operates one of the 988 call centers. “New resources are urgently needed to make sure we have well-trained staff on hand to respond to calls and to provide crisis support services. We are grateful to the General Assembly for securing permanent funding for 988.”

“We thank the General Assembly for its incredible work taking action to make sure our center and the other 988 call centers have adequate resources to meet the enormous need for behavioral health support,” said Ann Mazur, CEO of EveryMind, which operates the 988 helpline in Montgomery County and provides both statewide and national 988 text and chat services. “The 988 helpline has already helped so many Marylanders across the state. Now we can be sure the funding will be in place to continue and expand our work.”

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