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Wednesday, December 25, 2024

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Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of the federal death row; Mississippi group working in 71 counties to end homelessness in Mississippi; Farmers no longer feeling Farm Bill anguish, but relief might be fleeting; Addressing Montana's expanding 'news deserts.'

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President-elect Donald Trump considers reclaiming Panama Canal. Lawmakers are uncertain Trump's cabinet will help everyday Americans and, advocates feel Biden must reconsider clemency actions.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

ME groups boost awareness of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline services

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Monday, July 1, 2024   

A monthly telecom surcharge could generate significant funding for Maine's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, according to a new report.

The mental health advocacy organization Inseparable estimated more than $1 million annually could be used to improve data collection and support mobile crisis units.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for the Inseparable, said trained behavioral health responders can de-escalate a mental health emergency while helping free up law enforcement resources.

"We can avoid the expense, the trauma of emergency departments, of jails, of law enforcement involvement," Kimball explained. "And really give people help when they need it most."

Gov. Janet Mills recently signed a supplemental budget, which includes more than $5 million for mobile units. Kimball noted the report encouraged states like Maine to develop sustainable funding to boost 988 services.

It is estimated more than 200,000 Mainers struggle with a mental health condition. More than 14,000 teens in the state are believed to struggle with depression. Introduced legislation aims to raise awareness of the 988 hotline among young people by ensuring the three digits are listed on every student ID.

Shamera Simpson, executive director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Maine, said the hotline can save lives.

"I'd love to see additional support in the state of Maine, and every state, really, that would put that information so that it's readily available to our youth who need it," Simpson urged.

Simpson added she would also like to see improvements to the 988 call routing system. Currently, calls are routed based on a cellphone's area code. She pointed out federal legislation would require wireless phone carriers to route calls based on geographic location. Currently, more than 90% of calls to the hotline in Maine are answered in-state.

Disclosure: Inseparable contributes to our fund for reporting on Criminal Justice, Health Issues, Mental Health, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.

References:  
State data NAMI 2024

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