New Hampshire lawmakers support HB 597 for mental health crisis call transfers

A pivotal discussion on mental health crisis response took center stage during the New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee meeting on February 12, 2025. Lawmakers reviewed House Bill 597, which aims to codify existing protocols that allow 911 operators to transfer mental health crisis calls to the 988 crisis hotline.

The bill's primary sponsor emphasized the importance of clarifying the language surrounding these transfers, ensuring that the current practices are legally recognized. "This proposed bill clarifies the language and the definition so that existing protocols that are in place right now are now gonna be statutorily allowed," he stated. This change is expected to enhance the efficiency of emergency responses, allowing individuals in crisis to receive the appropriate care without unnecessary delays.

Support for the bill came from various stakeholders, including Holly Stevens from NAMI New Hampshire, who highlighted the ongoing challenges with the 988 system. Despite a successful promotional campaign, many individuals still default to calling 911 in crises. Stevens noted that transferring calls to 988 not only frees up 911 resources for more urgent emergencies but also connects callers with trained professionals who can provide specialized support.

Mark Doyle, a key figure in the development of the 988 system, reported that since its inception, nearly 500 calls have been successfully transferred from 911 to 988, preventing unnecessary law enforcement involvement in situations that require mental health intervention. He assured the committee that comprehensive training protocols are in place to ensure dispatchers can accurately assess the nature of incoming calls and direct them appropriately.

The meeting also addressed the operational aspects of the 988 system, including its 24/7 availability and the capacity to handle calls through various modalities, such as text and chat. Jenny O'Higgins from the Department of Health and Human Services emphasized the importance of having someone to talk to during a crisis, noting that many calls can be resolved without the need for in-person intervention.

As the committee deliberates on House Bill 597, the implications of this legislation could significantly reshape how New Hampshire addresses mental health crises, ensuring that individuals receive timely and appropriate care while alleviating pressure on emergency services. The anticipated outcome is a more integrated and responsive mental health crisis system that prioritizes the needs of those in distress.