Saturday, December 21, 2024
12/21/2024
The SC 988 Comprehensive System of CARE (SC 988) Cooperative Agreement will further build SC mental health crisis intervention infrastructure, with 988 being the central piece in response, intervention, and follow-up during a mental health crisis. This infrastructure will result in increased in-state answer rates, improved key performance indicators, and increased capacity to meet 988 crisis contact demand. These activities will ensure SC is part of the unified 988 response across the US. The COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to not only worsen mental health symptoms for those living with serious mental illness but may also lead to an increase in new mental health patients. SC EMS call volume for self-harm has increased 53% when comparing 2020 vs. 2021. Other major issues include identifying a decision tree between 988, SCDMH, 911, and other partners such SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drugs (DAODAS) for continuity of care. Aim 1: Enhance workforce capacity through recruitment, hiring, and training of local 988 staff and adding an additional call center in SC The SC 988 grant will help reach the goal of at least 90% of total 988 calls answered in SC by June 15, 2022 by: 1. Expanding the 988 crisis center workforce by hiring more MHAGC Call Center staff for 988 operations. 2. Developing an additional 988 call center for SC to increase capacity in SC through SCDMH. 3. Building text and message answer capacity. Aim 2: Build SC's 988 Crisis Center's response infrastructure that is needed for the successful implementation of 988, including areas around crisis response, intervention, and follow-up. In order to build SC's capacity to implement 988, the following infrastructure activities will occur: 1. Train 8 new MHAGC and 5 MC workforce staff members to better prepare them to work with high-risk populations. 2. Facilitate a 988 Advisory Board to coordinate infrastructure development between all partners. 3 Evaluate current activities and develop a plan for implementing referral and follow-up services. 4. The Program Director (PD), Project Coordinator (PC) and Evaluator will immediately start work with the 988 Advisory Board partners to ensure required data is collected. 5. The 988 Advisory Board will work with the PD and PC to develop a sustainability plan.
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).