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State mental health officials tout Connect app refresh, 988 performance and veteran pilot services; committee approves flyer design
Summary
Alabama Department of Mental Health leaders described a Connect app refresh to centralize mental-health and substance-use resources for first responders, reported a 90.6% in-state 988 answer rate, outlined veteran pilot projects funded from opioid-settlement dollars, and obtained committee approval to include people on the outreach flyer.
Alabama Department of Mental Health officials on a Joint Interim Committees meeting detailed steps to centralize crisis and treatment resources for first responders and veterans, announced an impending refresh of the Connect mobile app, and described pilot programs funded through opioid-settlement appropriations.
The Mental Health Commissioner said the Connect app “is a free mobile application that does, have mental health substance use and prevention resources available” and that the state plans to add first-responder and veteran resources during a refresh expected to take “between 4 and 6 weeks.” The app includes a services locator and a QR code the department will use in outreach materials.
Officials reported the state’s in‑state 988 answer rate is 90.6 percent, above the 90 percent goal. “If we don’t answer the call in state, it’s going to a national number, and they’re not gonna get local resources,” the commissioner said, emphasizing local handling directs callers to nearby services rather than advising 911.
The department outlined veteran-focused pilots it will add to Connect: AltaPoint (veterans crisis care and treatment linkage); Centerstone (3,000 free therapy sessions in person or via telehealth targeted to underserved counties); a telehealth program for veterans aged 18–34; Sojourn Counseling’s free EMDR, CBT and microcurrent neurofeedback services delivered in Birmingham and via a mobile van; and a residential substance-use treatment program in Mobile. Officials said the projects were selected to reach rural counties with limited provider capacity and will be added to the app soon.
Members asked how the app will stay current with rural resources; the commissioner said ADMH will continue to work with the app vendor and community partners to add resources as they are identified. The department also described six 24/7 crisis centers—Huntsville, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Dothan and Mobile—and noted a pediatric crisis center has opened adjacent to the Huntsville adult site.
On outreach materials, staff presented two flyer designs (one with photographed faces, one plain). Melissa expressed support for including people on the flyer; the Chair called for a voice vote and the ayes carried. The committee asked staff to provide a layout and confirm the app updates in time to include the resources in the report to the Legislature due by the third legislative day in January.
The meeting closed with staff directed to draft a letter and resource summary for the committee’s report. The commission plans a follow-up meeting in December to finalize resources and the app layout.
