In 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, revealing a dramatic rise in call volumes over the past few years.

North Central's representative expressed gratitude to Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for their ongoing investments in the community behavioral health system. However, they emphasized that the current funding levels are insufficient to meet the increasing needs of Ohio residents. Since the launch of the 988 service nearly three years ago, call volumes have surged, with North Central anticipating over 40,000 calls for assistance in 2025 alone. This represents a significant increase from just 1,122 calls in January 2023 to 3,287 calls in April 2025.

The representative pointed out that the 988 service operates 24/7, providing immediate support from trained professionals rather than dispatchers. This direct connection allows for timely assistance, often preventing the need for law enforcement or emergency room interventions. In fact, North Central's team successfully helps callers avoid more serious situations 99% of the time.

Despite the critical role of the 988 service, the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal years has been reduced to $20 million, which falls short of operational costs. The representative 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. This funding is deemed essential to sustain the service and continue saving lives in Ohio.

As the demand for mental health support continues to rise, the discussions in this meeting underscore the importance of adequate funding for crisis services, which directly impacts the well-being of residents across the state. The committee's response to these funding requests will be crucial in shaping the future of mental health support in Ohio.