Project Grant H79FG001421

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded Frontier Health $249,999 on September 30, 2026, under the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Services Programs (CFDA 93.00R) to expand post-crisis follow-up services in Washington County, Tennessee.

Frontier Health will deploy two crisis co-response therapists, a project director, and a data administrator to provide documented follow-up beginning within 24 hours of referral or care transition for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, serious mental illness, substance use crises, co-occurring disorders, overdose risk, and other behavioral health emergencies. Clinical services will incorporate comprehensive suicide and overdose risk assessment, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), safety planning intervention, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, solution-focused therapy, care coordination, warm handoffs, and referral to the least restrictive clinically appropriate level of care. Follow-up will continue for a minimum of 90 days, with services extended up to 12 months based on clinical need and documented verbal or written consent. The project serves individuals of all ages who enter the crisis system through the regional 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 911 Public Safety Answering Points, law enforcement, Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams, emergency departments, emergency medical services, and other behavioral health referral sources, building upon Frontier Health's established co-response program and partnership with the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Performance occurs in Johnson City, Tennessee, through September 29, 2029.