Washington DOH outlines 988 hub designation timeline, warns of major call-volume rise during transition

The Washington State Department of Health said it is reviewing applications for future 988 contact hubs and expects final hub designations by the end of the year, while cautioning that transitioning individual callers to 988 will markedly increase 988 call volume.

DOH 988 lead Katie Lindstrom said the department received five hub applications and is using a scoring rubric plus ASO and HCA recommendations to make a selection. "We did receive 5 applications across the state," Lindstrom said. She added that review work and a recommendation to DOH leadership were planned through September and October.

The department is simultaneously drafting a transition action plan to guide the shift in who handles individual callers versus professional calls. "In the future state, based on our call volume estimates, 9 8 8 call volumes are gonna increase about 235%," Lindstrom said, describing a move that will route most individual callers to 988 while regional crisis lines (RCLs) continue to handle professional-to-professional calls and dispatch.

Why this matters: a 235% call-volume increase will require additional staffing, contracts and data- and protocol-sharing among hubs, ASOs, managed care organizations and dispatch partners. Lindstrom said DOH is preparing individualized transition timelines for each hub and region and expects transition planning to begin in January. The department also has a draft transition action plan it has shared with ASOs and other partners for comment.

State and regional officials emphasized that the number of designated hubs will be shaped by budgetary constraints. Lindstrom said a state budget shortfall means DOH does not yet have final funding figures and that the budget process could limit how many hubs are designated. "There's a pretty significant budget shortfall at the state level," she said.

Local providers noted the region's existing vertical integration could ease transition. Justin, representing the Spokane Regional BH-ASO, said the local RCL and 988 hub are already closely aligned. "FBH represents our RCL and 9 8 8. We've given updates on our region's ability to integrate a vertical system," he said, stressing that local arrangements may make the shift smoother in Spokane's service area.

What still needs work: DOH listed items that will affect sequencing and timing — contract and budget finalization, data-sharing agreements, establishment of provider access numbers, regional dispatch protocols, public awareness campaigns, staff training and onboarding for any newly selected hubs. Lindstrom described the transition action plan as a fluid implementation document that will be updated as regions and providers supply more operational detail.

The department also noted that if current 988 providers remain the designated hubs, transition will be simpler; if new hubs are chosen, onboarding and new protocols will be required. DOH said designation notifications are targeted by October, with the hard deadline of end of year for designations.

Ending: DOH encouraged ongoing feedback from ASOs and system partners and asked regions to prepare local timelines and data to support transition planning. Lindstrom invited participants to follow up directly with DOH on outstanding questions.