How is 988 being funded?

Congress has provided the Department of Health and Human Services workforce funding through the American Rescue Plan, some of which will support the 988 workforce. 

The President’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget request provides additional funding for the NSPL itself and for other federal crisis funding sources. 

At the state level, in addition to existing public/private sector funding streams, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 allows states to enact new state telecommunications fees to support 988 operations. 

E2SHB1477 is further funded by a tax on Washington’s phone and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) lines. 

Show All Answers

1. What is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) and does 988 replace it?
2. When did 988 go live nationally?
3. How is 988 different than 911?
4. If I call 988, will first responders, like the police or EMS, be automatically dispatched?
5. Will 988 calls be referred to 911?
6. Will my call to Lifeline be recorded?
7. Is 988 available for substance use crisis?
8. How is 988 being funded?
9. What languages will 988 services be available in?
10. Will 988 accommodate those who are hard of hearing or blind?