Tuesday, May 7, 2024
5/7/2024
The proposal for the FY2023 988 State and Territory Improvement Program, or the "988 Tennessee Improvement Program" as referenced throughout this application, provides justification for the funding necessary to support enhancement of Tennessee's 988 infrastructure for crisis calls, texts and chats. Through this work, data will be collected to inform downstream impact to the current crisis continuum for both current and future calls, chat and texts that originate in Tennessee as part of the 988 network. Provision of effective services to these individuals is essential in ensuring they relate to services that are, very often, lifesaving. Utilizers of 988 to call, text or chat in Tennessee will receive effective and efficient screening, triage, intervention and referral services to ensure that they are met with appropriate resources in diffusing the crisis and normalize behavioral health concerns, along with the resources to assist in navigating these. Funding is proposed to ensure increased capacity in the provision of crisis follow-up services, so that all that present to 988 for support receive services to ensure de-escalation of the crisis, along with referral linkage as appropriate. Funding for implementation of formal marketing efforts is proposed to increase awareness of this resource, including the scope of services provided to those presenting in a mental health emergency. A robust evaluation is proposed within this program around staff training, along with evaluation of effectiveness in follow-up services in increased referral linkage and reduced recidivism. Last, this proposal included utilization of technology in ensuring all 988 providers are equipped with real-time, county specific resource information to ensure that the appropriate level of intervention and resource is provided. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has a long-established partnership with the seven Tennessee based 988 providers, ensuring that services are available to individuals in all 95 counties across the state. Through the implementation of this grant program, it is the goal to enhance capacity and data collection efforts to ensure that Tennessee meets or exceeds 90% total contact handle rate. Additionally, TDMHSAS will continue to utilize data to identify needed capacity downstream as a result of any potential volume increases, along with utilization for quality assurance measures and overall program development.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
