* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember McCray
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Baltimore City Health Department, the Baltimore City Fire Department, the Baltimore Police Department, the Department of Finance, the Baltimore City Law Department, and other interested parties to appear before the City Council to discuss the implementation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, its anticipated impact on individuals that use this resource, and the implementation plan for Baltimore City.
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Recitals
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched nationally on Saturday, July 16, 2022. The Lifeline is the product of the federal National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, a law aimed at creating a pathway to mental health care that is easy for those in need to access. The Act seeks to offer individuals who dial 988 the same level of attention and care for suicidal ideation and mental health emergencies as those who call 911 for medical emergencies. Ideally, an individual who contacts 988 will quickly be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will provide support to the individual and dispatch a mobile crisis response unit, if necessary, to take the individual to a crisis stabilization location.
In light of its recent rollout, it is imperative that the public understands what the Lifeline
offers and what to expect when engaging with the Lifeline. When an individual needs assistance, the individual can contact the Lifeline via text, phone, or chat. With proper resources, the individual should be connected to a crisis counselor immediately; however, current call center staffing numbers may necessitate a queue before connecting an individual to a crisis counselor. Ideally, an in-person response team that includes a trained mental health professional will be available to respond to the individual in need, if necessary. An individual experiencing an extreme mental health crisis should then be transported safely and expeditiously to a specialized facility that can properly treat, observe, and care for them. If such a facility is not available, which is an unfortunate reality given the current state of nationwide mental health resources, an individual who calls 988 may be taken to a hospital or emergency department to receive immediate care.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has the potential to revolutionize how we provide
resources for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. An effective, fully-funded system will reduce barriers to accessing help and ensure that equitable care is available to everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
While the purpose of the Lifeline is commendable, the logistics of its nationwide rollout have
been hampered by a lack of staff, resources, follow-through, and consistent federal funding. This is the beginning of an important new phase in mental health care and communities should be equipped to handle the needs of their residents, reduce reliance on the police and hospitals for mental health crises, and deliver timely and effective help to people in crisis.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council invites representatives from the Baltimore City Health Department, the Baltimore City Fire Department, the Baltimore Police Department, the Department of Finance, the Baltimore City Law Department, and other interested parties to appear before the City Council to discuss the implementation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, its anticipated impact on individuals that use this resource, and the implementation plan for Baltimore City.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Commissioner of Health, the Chief of the Fire Department, the Police Commissioner, the Director of Finance, the City Solicitor, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the Baltimore City Council.