CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A statewide non-profit organization is applauding the passage of a bill that would help improve access to behavioral health crisis services in West Virginia.
SB 181, which provide a steady source of revenue for 988, a newly created national crisis hotline, was passed by the House of Delegates Tuesday. It previously passed the Senate.
The 988 hotline will be implemented nationwide this July to facilitate quick access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The line will be open to anyone experiencing mental health distress or crisis, not just suicidal thoughts.
The Senate’s version of the bill included a user fee of $0.11 per mobile user to fund the line, but House members removed that language.
Sheila Moran, director of communications for First Choice Services, said that fee should’ve stayed in place.
“We were hoping for that particular stream of income, but the Department of Health and Human Resources has agreed to fully fund our program,” she said.
First Choice is based in Charleston and manages behavioral health helplines.
Moran said there are lingering concerns the expansion would result in longer wait times for people in need of immediate help.
“We are anticipating a massive increase in the next few months as the line starts additionally being accessed through the 988 line,” she said.
The bill would establish a call center in West Virginia, which Moran said is a good thing, but if there are too many calls coming in, she said there’s a chance they could be diverted elsewhere.
“People may have to wait on the line for a few minutes and then being transferred to another state and possibly talk to someone who doesn’t know about the resources we have here. I think we’ve been able to serve that,” Moran said.
Moran said much of the calls are tied to isolation and depression, which has been exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last four years, calls have increased by 63 percent.
“A lot of the issues have remained the same, but have intensified,” Moran said. “A lot of times people are dealing with relationship issues and loneliness.”
The bill reduces stigma surrounding suicide, mental health and substance use disorders and is meant to save lives, according to the legislative text.
Anyone feeling depressed, suicidal or in need of emotional support can reach the National Suicide Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK.
The bill next heads to Gov. Jim Justice’s desk.