FFY26-988 State and Territory Local Capacity Building - The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) will improve Louisiana's response to all 988 calls, chats and texts originating in the state and to improve services for populations at high risk of suicide and overdose to meet or exceed SAMHSA's target goals. Each year the project will serve all individuals in Louisiana statewide. Continued capacity building will benefit the general public, including individuals at risk for suicide and overdose. OBH will work closely with Louisiana’s two Lifeline contact centers, VIA LINK and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG) to achieve the following goals: Goal 1: Ensure statewide 24/7 coverage for 988 calls, chats and texts. Objective 1.1: By 2/01/2027, at least 90% of calls (total # routed), chats and texts originating in Louisiana will be answered in-state as reported by the national administrator. Objective 1.2: By 2/01/2027, crisis centers will develop and implement staff wellness and retention policies to maintain an annual retention rate above 70%. Goal 2: Crisis centers will comply with all quality, clinical practices, referrals, follow-up and cybersecurity requirements of the national administrator. Objective 2.1: By 2/01/2027, crisis centers will meet all quality practice standards provided by the national administrator. Objective 2.2: By 2/01/2027, crisis centers will meet all clinical practice standards provided by the national administrator. Objective 2.3: By 4/01/2027, crisis centers will be in compliance with all follow-up requirements provided by the national administrator. Objective 2.4: By 9/29/2027, crisis centers will implement real-time referral protocols as required by the national administrator. Objective 2.5: By 9/29/2028, the crisis centers will implement statewide protocols for collection and evaluation of 988 sentinel event data. Objective 2.6: By 9/29/2029, OBH will complete and ensure provider level participation in SAMHSA national cross-site evaluation on client and program level data. Objective 2.7: By 9/29/2027, crisis centers will report all cybersecurity vulnerabilities and incidents to the national administrator in compliance with BH2483, Section 108 to protect personal privacy. Objective 2.8: By 9/29/2027, crisis centers will develop and implement policies and procedures to remain in compliance with collection and reporting cybersecurity vulnerabilities and incidents to SAMHSA monthly. Objective 2.9: By 4/01/2027, Crisis centers will develop and implement policies, practices and training to screen and intervene with help-seekers at risk for overdose and at risk for substance use issues. Goal 3: Develop and submit a sustainability plan. Objective 3.1: By 3/31/29, OBH will submit a sustainability plan to SAMHSA. Goal 4: Improve collaboration and coordination with key 988 partners. Objective 4.1: By 9/29/2028, OBH will address the legal, technical, and data sharing policies and procedures impacting warm transfers with at least 25% of the Public Safety Answer Points. Objective 4.2: By 9/29/2028, crisis centers will establish processes, procedures and training to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services in partnership with federally recognized Tribes in Louisiana. Goal 5: Increase awareness of 988. Objective 5.1: By 9/29/2027, OBH will develop, implement and evaluate a 988 strategic communication plan that aligns with SAMHSA’s branding and messaging.
