By Fox23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA CITY — Representative Kevin Norwood (R-Owasso) filed a bill that, if passed, would create the 988 Trust Fund to secure funding that would ensure the mental health crisis hotline can continue operations after federal funding expires next year.
A federal grant that partially funds the 988 hotline is set to end in Sept. 30 of this year, according to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
“Oklahomans need to know that when they make that call, someone will answer,” said Norwood. “With more than 30 years of experience in mental health presentations, I understand how powerful one conversation can be. It can change the direction of someone’s life for the better. This bill is about making sure help is always there when someone needs it most.”
House Bill 4092 would establish the 988 Trust Fund and identify what kind of sources would be directed towards the fund, which could include legislative appropriations, federal funds, grants, gifts and other various sources.
All funds directed to the trust would only be able to be used for supporting the 988 crisis hotline and other similar behavioral health crisis services in the state.
Norwood stated its important to plan ahead so people who rely on the hotline don’t experience a lapse in care at any point.
“We cannot let 988 come to an end. No one should ever make a permanent decision based on temporary problems. This bill helps make sure there is a fund in place, so someone is always there to answer the call for Oklahomans who are struggling.”
In the past 30 days, 7,166 calls have been made to the 988 Mental Health Lifeline, the majority of which are seeking support for issues such as self-harm, suicide concerns, anxiety and depression or help with care coordination.
The 988 Mental Health Lifeline replaced the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Whenever someone calls or texts 988 in Oklahoma, they’re connected with mental health professionals who can provide support, resources and even deploy mobile crisis teams when needed.
To read the entirety of House Bill 4092, click here.
