During a recent meeting of the Ohio Senate Finance Committee, significant discussions centered around the urgent need for increased funding for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. North Central, a key provider of behavioral health services, highlighted the growing demand for crisis support, emphasizing that the number of calls to the 988 service has surged dramatically over the past few years.

In his testimony, a representative from North Central expressed gratitude to Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for their ongoing investments in the community behavioral health system. However, he stressed that the current funding levels are insufficient to meet the rising demand for services. Since the launch of the 988 lifeline nearly three years ago, call volumes have escalated from 1,122 in January 2023 to 3,287 in April 2025, with projections indicating that North Central expects to handle over 40,000 calls by the end of this year.

The representative pointed out that calls to 988 are answered by trained service providers, not dispatchers, allowing for immediate assistance and often preventing the need for law enforcement or emergency room interventions. This proactive approach has proven effective, with 99% of callers receiving the support they need to avoid more serious crises.

Despite the critical nature of these services, the proposed budget for the 988 lifeline has been significantly reduced to $20 million for each fiscal year, which falls short of operational costs. North Central urged the Senate to restore funding to the governor's original proposal of $34 million for fiscal year 2026 and $41 million for fiscal year 2027 to ensure the continuation of these vital services.

The discussions at the committee meeting underscore the importance of adequate funding for mental health resources in Ohio, as the state grapples with increasing demand for crisis intervention services. The outcome of these budget discussions will have a direct impact on the community's ability to provide timely and effective support to individuals in crisis.