More communities could have access to financial support to build mobile crisis response units or teams under a proposed pilot program. A Senate committee passed a bill that would establish a grant program to create or expand programs connecting people in crisis to resources in the community.

A new service added to the 988 Lifeline will offer suicide prevention and mental health crisis counseling through American Sign Language for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing without the need for an interpreter.

Indianapolis’ new Clinician-Led Community Response team has been responding to mental health crises since July 1.

Finding sustainable staffing and funding models remain top priorities as 988 enters its second year. Congress allowed states to fund 988 the same way 911 is funded – through dedicated cell phone fees. Eight states have done this so far. Every other state is relying on unpredictable federal and state funding.

The group is among many asking lawmakers to invest in community mental health services and the existing 988 crisis response hotline.