Volunteers of america western washington 988 follow-up services expansion - the VOAWW 988 follow-up services expansion project will strengthen volunteers of america western washington's (VOAWW)…

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded Volunteers of America Western Washington $239,138 on September 30, 2026, under the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Services Programs (CFDA 93.00R) to expand follow-up services for individuals in crisis.

VOAWW will hire and train two follow-up crisis counselors to strengthen its existing 24/7 follow-up services program serving Washington State residents following contact with 988. The project increases monthly follow-up service client contacts from 1,228 to 1,417 and extends follow-up services for high-risk participants from approximately six weeks to a minimum of 90 days and, when clinically appropriate, up to 12 months. Beginning November 1, 2026, VOAWW will incorporate monthly assessments at the six-week point for high-risk participants. The population served includes individuals of all ages in Washington State who report current suicidal ideation or suicidal ideation within the previous 24 hours during contact with VOAWW's 988 phone, chat, or text services and consent to receive follow-up services. Services address suicide risk, suicide attempts, behavioral health needs, and co-occurring substance use concerns. Work is performed at VOAWW's location in Everett, Washington, and extends statewide through its established 988 crisis continuum. The period of performance runs through September 29, 2029.

Volunteers of america western washington 988 follow-up services expansion - the VOAWW 988 follow-up services expansion project will strengthen volunteers of america western washington's (VOAWW) existing 24/7 follow-up services (FUS) program serving individuals across washington state following contact with 988. Grant funding will support two additional follow-up crisis counselors, increasing the number of individuals served each month and extending follow-up services for high-risk participants from approximately six weeks to a minimum of 90 days and, when clinically appropriate, up to 12 months. The project will improve continuity of care following suicidal crises through ongoing safety monitoring, care coordination, and connection to behavioral health supports. VOAWW will implement this project statewide through its established 988 crisis continuum and FUS program. The population of focus includes individuals of all ages in washington state who report current suicidal ideation or suicidal ideation within the previous 24 hours during contact with VOAWW's 988 phone or 988 chat & text services and consent to receive follow-up services. Individuals served present with suicide risk, suicide attempts, and other behavioral health needs, including CO-occurring substance use concerns when present. The project addresses the growing need for follow-up support following crisis contacts, including increased demand for crisis services and the need for longer-term engagement with individuals at elevated risk of suicide. VOAWW will implement this project by hiring and training two follow-up crisis counselors, increasing monthly follow-up services client contacts from 1,228 to 1,417, and extending follow-up services for high-risk participants to a minimum of 90 days and up to 12 months when clinically appropriate. Beginning november 1, 2026, VOAWW will incorporate monthly assessments beginning at the six-week point for high-risk participants as defined according to the vibrant suicide safety policy. Follow-up services will include suicide risk assessment, safety planning, smart goal development, resource navigation, and coordination with behavioral health and crisis system partners. The project goals are to increase the number of individuals served through follow-up services, extend follow-up duration for high-risk participants, and improve crisis stabilization. VOAWW will monitor implementation and outcomes through established electronic health record systems, secure data systems, and continuous quality improvement processes. Project data will be used to evaluate service delivery, identify improvement opportunities, and strengthen coordination across washington's crisis continuum.