WI 988 congressional spending project - the wisconsin 988 congressional spending project will work to expand capacity at the wisconsin lifeline to respond to 988 calls, chats, and texts proficiently…

WI 988 congressional spending project - the wisconsin 988 congressional spending project will work to expand capacity at the wisconsin lifeline to respond to 988 calls, chats, and texts proficiently and compassionately. The wisconsin department of health services (DHS) will work with the wisconsin lifeline to increase the in-state answer rates. To support expansion of the wisconsin lifeline, wisconsin DHS will provide resources to enhance the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of qualified behavioral health staff. This project will allow the wisconsin lifeline to ensure that all residents, regardless of geographical area, have access to quality, local crisis services when they contact 988. Wisconsin is home to approximately 5.9 million people. Wisconsin's overall population is 88% white, 7% african american, 3% asian, and 1% american indian/alaska native. Of that overall population, 8% is hispanic, 22% is under the age of 18, and 18% is over the age of 65. Of wisconsin's 72 counties, 65% are considered rural (non-metro). In addition, 11% of the population lives below the poverty level. In 2022, the wisconsin lifeline provider family services, responded to an estimated 46,635 lifeline calls made by wisconsin residents, a 116% increase from 2021. While exact numbers serviced is impossible to predict due to the nature of the service, based on 2022 call, chat, and text volume data, wisconsin is expecting to respond to an estimated 87,535 contacts to the lifeline throughout this project year. The two most common reasons help seekers identify as their primary reason for contacting 988 are mental health concerns and relationship related issues. The state of wisconsin, department of health services has an opportunity through this project to expand and improve the infrastructure and capacity at the WI lifeline. Three goals of this project are: 1. Increase the capacity of the wisconsin lifeline to respond to chat and text demand. 2. Improve and maintain high in-state answer rates for calls, chats, and texts by expanding the remote workforce with 50% of lifeline counselors working remotely by the end of this project period. 3. Further develop and enhance the infrastructure needed to meet in-state answer rate goals and maintain high-quality 988 services to all wisconsinites. Personnel and staff requirements for this project will be in kind and made up of staff within the bureau of prevention treatment and recovery services. Staff will include a project director, project supervisor, and project coordinator. Contracted staff will include family services as the contracted wisconsin lifeline provider, the university of wisconsin population health institute who will provide evaluation services, and spherion for contracted DHS positions.