DHCS Seeks Standards for 988 Centers; $20M/yr SAMHSA Grant Could Boost Capacity

The Senate heard the administration’s proposal to create a statewide designation process and performance standards for California 988 centers and learned of a pending federal grant that could substantially boost 988 funding.

Paula Wilhelm of the Department of Health Care Services said the trailer‑bill language would create standards for staffing, triage, training and performance measures and implement a designation process that centers must meet by the end of 2029 to continue receiving state 988 funds. She said the designation process would not be implemented sooner than October 1, 2027, and that existing centers will continue to receive funding through 12/31/2029.

Federal grant opportunity: DHCS said it applied for a new SAMHSA three‑year grant recently released; if awarded, California would receive approximately $20 million annually from 09/30/2026 through 09/29/2029 to expand capacity, strengthen performance and support centers’ reporting and evaluation obligations. "If awarded, California will receive a little bit over $20,000,000 in additional SAMHSA funds annually," DHCS said.

Stakeholder view and funding needs: 988 center representatives told the committee that current funding is insufficient; centers reported call‑volume increases and that about 65% of chats and texts are routed out of state, reducing local capacity for warm handoffs and mobile crisis coordination. Didi Hirsch and other statewide center leaders urged restoration of additional funding in the upcoming budget.

The committee did not take a vote. Members flagged the need to monitor the SAMHSA grant award and asked DHCS what role state funding will play in sustaining increased capacity.