June 2024

 Your Voice Matters: Comment on FCC’s Proposed Rule for Georouting 988 Calls 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a significant new rule requiring wireless carriers to implement georouting solutions for calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This rule ensures that calls are routed based on the caller’s geographic location rather than the area code and exchange associated with their wireless phone. The Commission is also seeking input on various issues related to georouting solutions for wireless and non-wireless calls, as well as text messages to the 988 Lifeline.

This proposal is a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the 988 Lifeline, ensuring that callers receive timely and appropriate assistance regardless of their phone number’s origin.

The public is encouraged to provide comments on this proposed rule. Your input is vital in shaping policies that impact our community and those in crisis. The deadline for public comments is June 28, and we urge you to take this opportunity to make your voice heard.

Click here for more information about this new rule, including a customizable template for you to use and instructions on submitting your own comments.

Free Webinar: 988 Collaboration with Mobile Crisis Teams

Join Vibrant Emotional Health and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) live event, 988 Collaboration with Mobile Crisis Teams, on Thursday, July 11th, 1 pm-2 pm ET (10 am-11 am PT). This webinar will begin with a national overview of mobile crisis teams by reviewing the 2023 National Survey of Mobile Crisis Teams. Following the national overview, the webinar will explore how Virginia has implemented mobile crisis teams and their coordination efforts with 988. Additionally, the webinar will highlight public policies and lessons learned to ensure accessibility and continuity of services between 988 and the mobile crisis teams. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session for attendees.    

We are honored to have the following speakers present on this important topic:  

Amanda Miller, Director of Crisis Continuum, Vibrant Emotional Health

Preston Looper, Principal, Full Tilt Strategies, LLC 

Alexandria Robinson, Crisis Call Center (988) Program Manager, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services 

Denise Hall, Crisis Systems Manager, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Date: Thursday, July 11th, 1 pm-2 pm ET (10 am-11 am PT)

Registration:

Register in advance for this meeting: https://vibrant.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtcOmupz4vHtCy7EtYl89RSUq1i9HAdEDN    

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

This webinar will have real-time captioning and ASL interpretation.  

 Strengthening Advocacy for Mental Health: Highlights from the AFSP Advocacy Forum 2024 

Our esteemed Public Policy & Government Affairs (PPGA) department members recently had the privilege of attending the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Advocacy Forum in Washington, DC. This annual gathering, which unites advocates from all 50 states, was a unique opportunity for our team to contribute to the advancement of suicide prevention efforts and the enhancement of mental health services nationwide.

At the forum, Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) was honored to host a table where we showcased our essential work to support mental health and emotional well-being. Connecting with many passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference in their communities was inspiring. The energy and commitment were remarkable, from seasoned advocates to new supporters.

Click here to read more about the PPGA members' impressions and reflections on participating in the AFSP Advocacy Forum.

Vibrant Garners Full Mental Health Liaison Group Backing in Support of the FCC’s Proposed Georouting Mandate 

Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) led the effort crafting a coalition letter supporting the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposed role on georouting. The letter garnered the full support of the Mental Health Liaison Group, a coalition of leading national organizations in mental health, substance use, health, and social services working to strengthen access to mental and behavioral health care. 

In April 2024, the FCC proposed a rule on georouting solutions for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline). Georouting would mandate wireless carriers to enable the routing of calls based on the geographic location of a cell phone rather than the current practice of relying on the cell phone’s area code. By establishing a mandate, carriers would ensure that callers are routed by location rather than their area code, enabling better access to critical local crisis counselors and resources. 

Click here to read the letter.

Vermont Secures Permanent State Funding for Crisis Contact Centers in the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Network

Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) is excited to announce that Vermont has become the latest state to introduce a monthly fee to support the centers that are part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) and related services. With the passing of H. 657 earlier this month, a portion of the monthly telecom fees charged to state residents will now go towards funding 988 Lifeline crisis services. 

The funding is crucial for ensuring individuals in mental health crises receive timely and effective care. It will empower Vermont’s crisis centers, enabling them to provide immediate, life-saving assistance, reduce suicides, and strengthen support networks for individuals and families affected by mental health issues. This initiative is expected to generate an additional $3 million in Fiscal Year 2026.

You can read more about Vermont’s mental health victory and the importance of sustainable funding for the 988 Lifeline here.

Vibrant Joins 40 Organizations Urging Finalization of 2023 Parity Regulations 

Vibrant joined 40 national organizations in a letter urging the Departments of Health & Human Services, Labor, and Treasury to finalize parity rules to bolster the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act of 2008. These regulations will make a significant impact in improving access to services for people living with mental health (MH) and substance abuse disorders (SUD).

Parity for mental health and substance abuse disorder is an urgent issue. Approximately 17.3% of adults in the U.S. have a SUD, but less than 24% of those individuals received SUD treatment. Overdose is a leading cause of death, with more than 107,000 lives lost to the overdose crisis in 2023. Despite this reality, 15 years after the Parity Act was enacted, the Departments noted in their Report to Congress that insurance companies continue failing to conduct complete, detailed, and accurate compliance analyses under the existing standards. A recent report found that individuals living with SUD and MH conditions are forced to go out-of-network 3.5x more often for SUD and MH office visits than for medical/surgical office visits, with more drastic disparities when comparing psychiatrists (8.9x) and psychologists (10.6x) to medical/surgical specialist physicians.

Read more and find the full letter here.

Vibrant Celebrates 25 Years Since the Olmstead Decision

Twenty-five years ago this week, the United States Supreme Court delivered a groundbreaking ruling in the case of Olmstead v. L.C. This landmark case addressed the rights of individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), particularly those with serious mental illness (SMI) and serious emotional disturbance (SED). The case revolved around two individuals living with mental illness who were institutionalized despite expert opinions that they would benefit from community-based services. This ruling, a cornerstone of our work, continues to shape the landscape of disability rights. 

Click here to read more about this landmark ruling.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Historic Gains in Health Care Coverage for Minority Communities

Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) applauds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for unveiling five new reports on June 7th, highlighting historic gains in healthcare coverage, especially among minority communities, since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation. These improvements, driven by the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts and the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax breaks, have significantly reduced healthcare costs and made plans more affordable. Additionally, HHS announced a historic $500 million investment in Navigators to assist individuals nationwide in enrolling in healthcare, focusing on underserved communities.

Please click here to learn more about these communities’ remarkable gains in healthcare coverage.

Reflecting on New York’s 2023-2024 Legislative Session

As the New York legislative session concluded on June 7th, several bills and initiatives critical to enhancing mental health services and support in New York made significant progress. This legislative period saw numerous successes, including state-level investments in the crisis continuum, with funding for 988 Lifeline crisis contact centers.

We thank the New York State Assembly and Senate for prioritizing mental health this legislative period. Click here to read the legislative successes, budget appropriations, and unmet needs tallied at the end of this session.

Notice of Funding Opportunities

State Opioid Response Grants

The application deadline is Monday, July 01, 2024.
 

The purpose of this program is to address the public health crisis caused by escalating opioid misuse, opioid use disorder (OUD), and opioid-related overdose across the nation. States and territories are expected to use the resources to (1) increase access to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD); (2) support the continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for OUD and other concurrent substance use disorders; and (3) support the continuum of care for stimulant misuse and use disorders, including those involving cocaine and methamphetamine. Find more information here.

Tribal Opioid Response Grants

The application deadline is Monday, July 01, 2024.
 

The purpose of this program is to assist in addressing the opioid overdose crisis in Tribal communities by increasing access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD), and supporting the continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring substance use disorders. Find more information here.

Minority AIDS Initiative: Integrated Behavioral Health and HIV Care for Unsheltered Populations Pilot Project

The application deadline is Monday, July 08, 2024.
 

The purpose of this program is to pilot a portable clinical care approach to underserved populations experiencing unsheltered homelessness by integrating behavioral health, HIV treatment, and prevention services. Find more information here.

Minority AIDS Initiative: Integrated Behavioral Health and HIV Care for Unsheltered Populations Pilot Project

The application deadline is Friday, July 12, 2024.
 

The purpose of this program is to provide substance use prevention, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, HIV, and viral hepatitis prevention and treatment services for racial and ethnic individuals vulnerable to a SUD and/or mental health condition, HIV, viral hepatitis, and other infectious disease (e.g., sexually transmitted infections). Recipients will be expected to take a syndemic approach to SUD, HIV, and viral hepatitis by providing SUD prevention and treatment to racial and ethnic individuals at risk for or living with HIV. Find more information here.

State Opioid Response (SOR)/Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) Technical Assistance

The application deadline is Monday, July 15, 2024.

The purpose of this program is to advance the provision of trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and evidence-based substance use-related approaches and interventions across the country and across the lifespan to reduce the impacts of opioid and stimulant misuse and use disorders on individuals, families, and communities. Find more information here.

National Peer-Run Training and Technical Assistance Center for Addiction Recovery Support

The application deadline is Monday, July 22, 2024.

The purpose of this program is to provide training and technical assistance (TTA) to domestic public and private non-profit entities that provide or support services intended for people who are experiencing challenges related to a substance use or co-occurring condition. Find more information here.

Women’s Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center

The application deadline is Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

The purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of women’s behavioral health providers, general healthcare providers, and others involved in the holistic care of women to address the diverse needs of women with or at risk for mental health and substance use conditions, including women with or at risk for mental and substance use conditions that were greatly impacted by COVID. Find more information here.

Community-Based Maternal BHS Initial Announcement

The application deadline is Monday, August 26, 2024.

The purpose of this program is to improve access to evidence-based, timely, and culturally relevant maternal mental health and substance use (behavioral health) intervention and treatment by strengthening community referral pathways. Recipients will be expected to collaborate with pregnancy and postpartum healthcare organizations, refer individuals in need of behavioral health care to the appropriate entities, and provide short-term mental health and substance use services to individuals who cannot access care. Find more information here.

What's Happening This Month in the States...

Click here to see the state legislation affecting mental health in your state. 

Find and Connect with Your Elected Officials Using our Action Center and Advocacy Toolkit!

Have you built relationships with your elected officials to help you advocate? Was a new individual elected into office for your district? Now is the perfect time to introduce yourself or your organization and begin building relationships!

Click here to connect with your elected officials and learn about other free resources for advocating for your or your organization's needs.

For more information...

The Vibrant Public Policy & Government Affairs Department is excited to provide free access to our monthly newsletter. We also offer free online resources created for individuals or organizations seeking legislative information to empower them to advocate for mental and emotional well-being.

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