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County approves $2.79 million supplemental appropriation for 988 crisis hotline
Summary
The council unanimously approved a supplemental appropriation of $2,786,948 to support 988 crisis hotline services, funding counselor hiring, a mandated security audit, and wellness initiatives for staff.
The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously Jan. 14 to approve Supplemental Appropriation 25‑16, adding $2,786,948 to the FY25 operating budget for 988 crisis hotline services. The source of funds is a state grant.
Alyssa Sanders, advocacy director for EveryMind, described how the funds will support hiring and retaining counselors — including staff trained on substance‑use disorder — and complete a state‑mandated security audit. She said part of the appropriation will support staff wellness programs to address burnout, compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress among counselors.
Sanders offered call‑level examples to illustrate demand: a caller with active suicidal thoughts who left the call with a safety plan, and a November surge in calls and texts that pushed daily volume up 25 percent. She thanked the council for prior support and said the funds will help meet growing demand and maintain confidentiality and security requirements.
Councilmember Sales seconded a motion to approve the appropriation; the council recorded the vote as unanimous. No additional amendments were recorded during the session.
