NACo
Local government sits at the operational center of emergency and crisis response systems. Counties in 48 states and the District of Columbia operate, fund and manage thousands of the nation’s public safety answering points (PSAPs), or 911 call centers. PSAPs handle more than 240 million 911 calls annually, including an estimated 24 million behavioral health-related calls.
Counties are building coordinated 911 call handling systems to manage the high volume of behavioral health-related calls and to meet new requirements following the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This work reflects a shared goal across public safety and behavioral health systems: connecting individuals in crisis to the right care while directing emergency resources where they are needed most.
This brief highlights the innovative approaches counties are employing to improve outcomes for behavioral health-related 911 calls and to strengthen the broader behavioral health crisis response system.