Jenny O'Higgins endorses New Hampshire's crisis call transfer bill for mental health support

The New Hampshire Senate Health and Human Services meeting on April 9, 2025, focused on the ongoing behavioral health crisis and the state's efforts to improve its response system. Jenny O'Higgins, the senior policy analyst and legislative liaison for behavioral health at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), presented key insights into the state's behavioral health infrastructure.

O'Higgins highlighted the three essential pillars of an effective behavioral health system: having someone to talk to, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. She emphasized the importance of crisis call centers, particularly the 988 system, and the role of mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization centers in providing timely support.

A significant aspect of the discussion was a proposed bill that would allow 911 operators to transfer calls to the 988 system when appropriate. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration between mental health services and first responders, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the appropriate care and support. O'Higgins noted that New Hampshire has established a strong partnership with the Department of Safety and 911, which has been recognized at national conferences as a model for other states.

The meeting concluded without any questions for O'Higgins, indicating a consensus on the importance of the proposed measures. The ongoing efforts to strengthen the behavioral health response system in New Hampshire are seen as crucial steps toward better supporting individuals in crisis and fostering safer interactions with first responders.