In a recent meeting of the North Dakota House Human Services Committee, lawmakers discussed critical updates regarding the state's mental health crisis response system, particularly focusing on the implementation of the 988 dialing code. This initiative, designated by Congress in February 2020, aims to enhance the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, but it has faced challenges due to a lack of federal funding.

The committee highlighted the pressing need for a sustainable funding model to support the 988 crisis response system. Currently, many states are exploring the introduction of phone fees to finance these services, similar to the long-standing funding model for 911 systems. The proposed Senate Bill 2020 initially sought to establish a monthly fee to support suicide intervention services, including the 988 system. However, after discussions in the business and industry committee, the focus shifted towards direct funding, resulting in a recommendation for an additional $700,000 in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget. This amount was later reduced to $500,000 in the appropriations process.

First Link, the private agency responsible for providing 988 services in North Dakota, reported responding to over 14,000 calls and texts related to suicide in 2024 alone. Despite this significant demand, First Link faces ongoing challenges, particularly in staffing. With 90% of their budget allocated to personnel costs, the organization struggles to retain qualified staff due to competitive wages offered by other sectors. This staffing crisis is compounded by the increasing demand for mental health services across the state.

The committee also discussed the importance of training for law enforcement and crisis response teams, emphasizing the need for continuous education to effectively handle mental health crises. While progress has been made in establishing a network of crisis response units and improving coordination among various services, gaps remain in the system, particularly in mobile crisis response and stabilization options.

As the meeting concluded, lawmakers acknowledged the necessity of a permanent funding source for the crisis response continuum. While the introduction of a phone fee may not materialize in the current session, there is a consensus that such measures will be essential in the future to ensure the sustainability of mental health services in North Dakota. The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing the behavioral health crisis affecting communities statewide and the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health care.