Gov. Moore Signs Legislation to Permanently Fund 988 Helpline
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 16, 2024) – Advocates and legislators today thanked Gov. Wes Moore for signing legislation that establishes a permanent funding source for the state’s 988 helpline. The measure, SB974/HB933, received broad bipartisan support in both the Senate and House of Delegates.
This important policy ensures that Maryland’s 988 helpline will be available now and in the future to serve people who need emergency emotional support. The bill establishes a new 988 telecom fee of 25 cents per month, modeled after the funding mechanism for 911. This nominal fee on cell phone and landlines will generate more than $25 million each year and will allow the state’s 988 call centers to hire more staff, invest in technology, and prepare for continued growth in the demand for 988 and behavioral health services. Calls to 988 have increased over 50% since its launch nearly two years ago, and text messages have increased over 1000%, showing the growing need for this resource.
A permanent funding source was urgently needed to ensure that Maryland’s 988 helpline remains available when current federal grants and state appropriations run out next year. Dedicated revenue gives the state and 988 helplines the budget predictability needed to plan for system improvements and continued growth. The 988 system was launched less than two years ago and the state must make system enhancements such as expanding text message capacity and 988 system integration. Eight other states have already created a 988 telecom fee, including Virginia and Delaware, and many others are currently considering the option.
“Gov. Moore recognizes that the mental health needs of Marylanders have never been greater and that 988 is here to help,” said Adrienne Breidenstine, Vice President for Policy and Communications at Behavioral Health System Baltimore and representative of the Fund MD 988 Campaign. “With the signing of this landmark legislation, Maryland will have the resources it needs to improve our 988 Helpline to ensure that we address the growing need for mental health support that we are seeing in our communities.”
Since its launch in 2022, 988 has provided round-the-clock, free supportive counseling and referrals to all Marylanders who call or text. These services are effective at preventing suicide and resolving other emotional distress or crises. Over 80% of all calls are resolved successfully over the phone. For situations that cannot be resolved over the phone, 988 counselors can dispatch mental health teams and can respond to people in the community to keep them safe. Fewer than 2% of calls are transferred to 911.
On the bill’s passing, lead Senate sponsor Sen. Guy Guzzone (Howard Co.) remarked that the enormous growth in the number of people seeking help through 988 spurred the bipartisan effort to ensure its continuing availability for Marylanders in crisis. The lead House sponsor, Del. Jessica Feldmark (Howard Co.), echoed the importance of the legislation in ensuring that 988 will be there when needed, especially for young people.
“The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is critical to Marylanders in all regions of the state,” said Shannon Aleshire, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. “This dedicated funding will ensure that 988 will be there for all Maryland communities for years to come.”