Portage Times

Two years after its implementation, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio has seen a significant increase in usage, with 20,000 contacts recorded in June. Despite this rise, the service lacks a dedicated funding source and remains subject to political fluctuations.

Rep. Gail Pavliga emphasized the need for stable funding: "The goal is to get a permanent funding source so the General Assembly's political whims aren't deciding the funding of such an important program," she stated. Pavliga hopes to secure funds through marijuana legislation by year's end.

Established under the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, the 988 service did not receive ongoing federal resources. The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation proposed a 50-cent monthly fee on mobile phone bills to generate approximately $50 million annually, but this idea did not gain traction.

As Ohio's initial $23.3 million federal allocation neared depletion, the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services prioritized 988 funding in its Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget request. Governor Mike DeWine and MHAS secured $20.7 million for the first year and $25.8 million for the second from the General Assembly.

"The budget was able to fully fund it for implementation and that's the baseline we're at," said Dan Tierney, spokesperson for Governor DeWine.

Lawmakers are now considering using revenue from recreational cannabis as a permanent funding source. The House proposed allocating 12.5% of a 10% excise tax to 988, supported by Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill). The Senate suggested providing up to $25 million annually or 9%.

Tony Coder, Executive Director of OSPF, expressed support for using marijuana funds due to research linking marijuana use with mental health issues: "We're open to conversations and ideas, but we need to get something done."

Coder highlighted increasing demand: "There are a lot of calls, and they keep increasing...we can't turn the spigot off once you turn it on."

Legislators left Columbus in June without resolving how to tweak voter-approved recreational marijuana laws (See Gongwer Ohio Report, June 28, 2024). If no plan including 988 funding is passed, Pavliga and Coder agree that more money will be needed in future budgets due to growing demand.

Pavliga noted additional funds are required so all call centers can respond to chat messages; currently only a few can do so.

Tierney mentioned that developing the next budget would take another six to seven months: "Like all budget items, it's certainly something we'll be looking at."

Coder also pointed out issues with data sharing from Vibrant—the company holding the national contract—and federal government: "Until we have that data, we're going to continue to struggle."

Since its launch on July 16, 2022, 988 has responded to nearly 340,000 calls, texts and chats—an average of over 14,000 contacts per month according to Governor DeWine's office.

"988 is saving lives," DeWine said in a statement celebrating its two-year anniversary. He commended its impact and pledged continued support.

Coder remarked on whether increased contacts indicate higher needs or greater awareness: "I'm hopeful it means that more folks are hearing about it and that stigma around mental illness is also dropping." He compared it with how long it took for full operational status of emergency number 911.

Currently about one-third of Ohioans know about 988 compared with a national awareness rate of 17%. MHAS launched a statewide multimedia campaign in May aiming at raising awareness further. Lawmakers are also promoting awareness through initiatives like license plates and school materials featuring information about 988.