Reposted from EMR-ISAC
On Jan. 15, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released new National Behavioral Health Crisis Care Guidance (National Guidance).
The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022 catalyzed a rapid expansion of crisis services around the country. SAMHSA identified the need for ongoing guidance for states, tribes, territories, and other local partners to provide the needed oversight, integration, and sustainability to care for people throughout and after a crisis episode.
SAMHSA identifies three essential elements of a behavioral health crisis system: crisis call lines, mobile crisis response, and emergency and crisis stabilization services. These elements work together to improve outcomes for individuals and families while reducing reliance on emergency departments and law enforcement for the care of those with urgent or emergent behavioral health needs.
The National Guidance consists of three documents:
- 2025 National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care.
- Model Definitions for Behavioral Health Emergency, Crisis, and Crisis-Related Services.
- Mobile Crisis Team Services: An Implementation Toolkit (draft open for public comment through March 21, 2025).
Emergency medical services (EMS), 911 telecommunications, and law enforcement have roles in a crisis care system. Communities aiming to implement or improve their behavioral crisis care systems will benefit from this guidance.
On Jan. 17, SAMHSA released a Community Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications (OORMs) Planning Toolkit. The toolkit provides guidance for community leaders, public health professionals, first responders (including EMS and law enforcement), to create effective overdose prevention and response strategies to improve local overdose reduction outcomes.
Access the National Guidance, OORMS Toolkit and learn more about how to submit written comments on the draft Mobile Crisis Toolkit at SAMHSA.gov. Comments are due by Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
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