Although the launch of 9-8-8 was a momentous step forward for specialized support for mental health crises, non-equitable response to 9-8-8 can and will result in more harm than good. Specific communities have experienced the most inequity and trauma: people who identify as LGBTQIA+; black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC); rural communities; immigrants, refugees, and non-English speaking people; people living with disabilities; older adults; people experiencing homelessness or housing instability; formerly incarcerated or justice-involved populations; survivors of trauma; and neurodiverse people. Evidence shows these populations hesitate to call 911 in times of need because they fear the response can be more detrimental than the crisis they are experiencing (Sasson, et.al, 2015).

The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity (KSCMHE), an entity of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine partnered with Carelon Behavioral Health, utilized scientific methods to investigate the needs of diverse populations, and established six concrete recommendations for equitable and effective administration of 988. Each recommendation also has opportunities for exploration and measurement of success into the future, as efforts to embed equity into 988 must be continuous and comprehensive.

This workshop targets the conference’s core objective on how 9-8-8 can be easily and equally accessible to all as well as strengthen and build more trust within all communities to use 9-8-8 when in need.  This workshop is designed to engage leaders and advocates of mental health on how to contribute to making the 9-8-8 response system more equitable and what actionable steps can be taken to ensure callers are met with the response that is the most culturally appropriate for them. Attendees will be introduced to the recommendations presented in the policy brief as well as provided preliminary resources to continue educating themselves on how to build more equity withing 9-8-8 response structures and centers.

Kisha B. Holden, PhD, MSCR

Associate Director, Satcher Health Leadership Institute

Linda Henderson-Smith, PhD, LPC, CPCS, CCMP

Senior Product Director at Carelon Behavioral Health

 

Moderator

Matt St. Pierre - Crisis Response Interest Group Staff Lead

Director, Practice Improvement & Consulting, National Council for Mental Wellbeing