CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Human Services is partnering up with entities in six other states to ensure that people with certain disabilities have the same level of access as the general population does when it comes to asking for help on a suicide and crisis phone line.
The DoHS will join the federally funded policy academy that aims to improve accessibility standards of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Response Lifeline systems for children and adults with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD), brain injury, and other cognitive impairments, as well as those who cannot rely on verbal communication alone.
Heading up the initiative, The Link Center is a Project of National Significance (PNS) funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and helps make mental health treatment more available to people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also joined ACL on this project to support The Link Center in hosting this critical policy academy.
Cabinet Secretary for WV DoHS, Cynthia Persily said this is a significant milestone for West Virginia, as it places the state ahead of the curve in mental health support for residents.
“By participating in this policy academy, we reaffirm our commitment to proactively address the needs of our communities, especially those with disabilities. This opportunity not only showcases our state’s leadership but also positions us to spearhead innovative approaches that ensure every individual receives the care and support they deserve,” Persily addressed in a statement.
DoHS Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, Christina Mullins told MetroNews that they are happy to join the initiative as there has been an ongoing need to address these services for people across all levels of ability.
“All residents should have access in a crisis for someone to talk to, someone to respond, and having a place to go which is why this is so important,” said Mullins. “While not all people with disabilities are non-verbal, we do have to strive to offer as many communication modes as we possibly can.”
Mullins said she believes West Virginia DoHS was selected to join the academy because they have been a leader in the implementation of the 988 lifeline system since it took off two years ago.
She said they have been successful at reaching their rates and milestones for answering calls within West Virginia, and meeting the national standards regularly every month.
Mullins said while people with disabilities still had access to the National Suicide Hotline as well as 988, they knew there needed to be an improved system that would make it easier for them to communicate their needs.
“We are more able to respond appropriately to individuals with disabilities in a crisis rather than calling 911 and involving law enforcement, we want to be able to avoid that whenever we can,” she said.
After the 988 lifeline started with just the voice call option a couple of years ago, the improvements to the system include better text and chat options Mullins said, and they are also in the process of adding video call settings to the system, as well.
Mullins said the improved system will be crucial in supporting West Virginia’s most vulnerable residents in times of crisis.
“We know that 30 to 40 percent of individuals with disabilities have co-occurring mental health conditions, so being able to step up those supports are really important for everyone involved,” she said.
Mullins said in addition, the improvements being made to the system will mean better employee training in knowing how to effectively communicate with people with disabilities so they’re more sensitive to their needs and can better get them the appropriate help.