However, the demand for mental health crisis lines continues to far exceed capacity. Given the most recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), calls to the new 988 line are expected to increase two-fold from 3.3 million in 2020 to 7.6 million by the end of July 2023. In light of this data, it’s more important than ever to strengthen the behavioral health workforce, which already has endured excessive strain from the pandemic.
To assist with the launch of the new dialing code, the Cambia Health Foundation has invested over $300,000 to nonprofit organizations that are part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline system. The goal of the funding is to support, expand, diversify and train the behavioral health workforce in our region.
“We must support the behavioral health workforce in addition to the individuals in crisis,” says Peggy Maguire, president of Cambia Health Foundation. “This funding will enable organizations to invest in training, development and self-care opportunities for their staff. We’re also prioritizing efforts to diversify staff in order to strengthen services for those who have historically been underserved and marginalized.”
Organizations that received funding include:
- Crisis Connections (Washington)
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute Utah Crisis Line (Utah)
- Jannus, Inc. dba Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline (Idaho)
- Lines for Life (Oregon)
- Northwest Human Services (Oregon)
- Volunteers of America Western Washington (Washington)
Earlier this year, the Cambia Health Foundation committed to a new 10-year strategic vision to advance equity through whole-person health, a multi-dimensional view recognizing that physical, behavioral and social dimensions all contribute to the health an individual. We are honored to support these organizations and their work to address a critical need in our communities.
Contact
Cambia Health Foundation
Whitney Grisewood, Communications & Content Strategist
Whitney.Grisewood@cambiahealth.org
About Cambia Health Foundation
Cambia Health Foundation is the corporate foundation of Cambia Health Solutions. Founded in 2007, the Foundation has funded over $110 million in grants to advance person-focused and economically sustainable healthcare. We support whole person health at every stage of life to build a just and inclusive health care system for all. Learn more at cambiahealthfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @CambiaHealthFdn.