Olympic Health expands 988 crisis service amid increased call demand in Washington

In a recent public meeting held by the Cowlitz County Commissioners, significant discussions centered around the operational transition of the 988 crisis hotline and its integration with local health services. The meeting highlighted the ongoing demand for mental health support in the region, with an average of 4,000 calls per month to the call center, indicating a pressing need for effective crisis intervention services.

The transition to Olympic Health and Recovery Services (OHRS) as the new regional crisis line provider began on April 1, 2025. This change is part of a broader strategy to enhance mental health services across five counties, with expectations that the call volume will increase as the 988 hotline becomes more widely recognized and utilized by the community. Currently, the 988 line receives approximately 400 calls monthly, while the regional crisis line handles around 3,500 to 4,000 calls, demonstrating the critical role these services play in addressing mental health crises.

Key stakeholders emphasized the importance of maintaining a personal touch in crisis response, ensuring that callers reach a person rather than navigating a complex phone tree. This approach is crucial as the region prepares for an anticipated increase in call volume, particularly with the potential designation of a fourth 988 hub by the end of 2025. The Washington State Department of Health will oversee this process, with local agencies participating in workgroups to align protocols and improve service delivery.

Funding for these services primarily comes from a cell phone tax, which supports the operational costs of the 988 hubs and mobile crisis responses. The meeting underscored the need for adequate state funding to ensure that counties are not burdened with additional financial responsibilities.

An illustrative case shared during the meeting highlighted the importance of community-based care. A local clinician recounted an instance where a simple act of delivering milk to a woman in crisis prevented a severe escalation of her mental health issues. This example reinforced the need for a comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental health care, particularly in rural areas where resources may be limited.

As the region moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on enhancing the integration of services and ensuring that the community is well-informed about available resources. The anticipated changes aim to create a more responsive and effective mental health support system, ultimately benefiting residents across Cowlitz County and beyond.