SAMHSA releases publication "988 & 911: Strengthening Crisis Response While Managing Risk & Liability"
SAMHSA has released 988 & 911: Strengthening Crisis Response While Managing Risk and Liability, a publication to help states, counties, Tribal nations, and local communities strengthen coordination between the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and traditional 911 emergency response systems.
Since the nationwide launch of 988, many communities have successfully redirected behavioral health crisis calls away from law enforcement–led responses and toward specialized mental health support. However, concerns about legal risk, liability, and interagency coordination have slowed progress in other regions. This new framework directly addresses those concerns with practical, actionable guidance.
The integration of 988 and 911 is essential to ensuring people experiencing mental health crises receive the right response at the right time. This framework helps communities move forward by clarifying roles, reducing perceived risk, and building trust across systems.