Wednesday, September 27, 2023
9/27/2023
Oregon has two Lifeline Centers: Lines for Life which covers the entire state, and Northwest Human Services which covers two counties. Although, currently, Oregon has no coverage gaps for call, the implementation of 988 will require additional workforce capacity to meet increased demand. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) intends to use the SAMHSA grant funds to primarily help Oregon's Lifeline Centers assess, hire, and train the minimum required increased workforce to meet SAMHSA and Vibrant's projected call volume in year one of 988. Vibrant estimates that approximately 10-15% of current 911 call volume will shift to the 988 call centers. According to OHA's independent consultant, Oregon's 988 call volume is anticipated to go up to 118,000 in the first year, with gradual increase to 240,750 annually over five years. In addition, for call centers to be adequately accessible to youth, it is critical that 988 call centers include the technology and the staffing to support both texting and chat capabilities as early as possible. While OHA aims to ensure that Oregon's Lifeline Centers hire the needed workforce to meet the demand of 988 call volume no later than June 15, 2022, general workforce shortage and time needed for contract execution, hiring, and training has been identified as a risk.
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).
