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Crisis centers urge Senate to restore 988 funding, warn call volume surge outpaces cuts
Summary
Multiple crisis-line providers and community mental health centers told the Senate Finance Committee that House reductions to 988 appropriations would leave the suicide-and-crisis lifeline underfunded as call volume rises sharply.
Two central Ohio crisis providers told the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday that a cut in 988 funding proposed by the House would leave the state’s crisis-response system under-resourced as demand rises.
Joseph Nijeweski of North Central Mental Health Services and Dr. Bridal Stroh of NETcare said their local 988 operations have seen sharp month-to-month growth in incoming contacts and that the center-based teams and mobile crisis resources need the governor’s higher funding levels.
"In January of 2023, the call volume was 1,122 calls for that month. In January of 2024, North Central responded to 1,744 calls. In April 2025, the number of calls answered was 3,287," Joseph Nijeweski told the committee, adding the center expects more than 40,000 calls in 2025. "We strongly urge the Senate to restore the amount to the governor's executive proposal: $34 million in '26 and $41 million in '27."
NETcare presented similar operational data, saying 95% of its 988 contacts in 2024 did not require sending an emergency responder to a caller’s location because trained counselors de-escalated situations by phone, text or chat. The witnesses argued such non-emergency treatment reduces downstream emergency-room and law-enforcement involvement and is cost-effective.
Why it matters: Testimony said the House reduced funding from the governor’s proposal to a lower level that would not cover projected operational costs as call volume increases. Providers urged the Senate to restore the higher appropriations and highlighted that staffing and training costs have grown alongside demand.
Discussion vs. decisions: Committee members asked for cost details and the differences between Governor’s, House and Senate proposals. No formal action or vote occurred; providers asked senators to reconsider the House reductions in the ongoing budget negotiations.
Ending: Providers asked the committee to prioritize 988 appropriations in the final omnibus bill, arguing reduced funding could interrupt a high-use, life-saving service.
