Prior to 2000, there were several hundred local crisis call centers across the country, underfunded, fragmented, and lacking in credibility with policymakers and funders. Staffed with dedicated volunteers, these poorly funded programs lacked the technology, data-tracking tools, and consistent protocols needed to effectively perform their work. In some larger communities with strong community mental health programs, crisis call centers were part of or strongly linked to mental health crisis care programs. But many communities lacked comprehensive crisis services, and advocates questioned the value and effectiveness of crisis call centers.
Air Traffic Control systems provide a meaningful point of reference for the necessity of national availability of service, with consistent standards and functioning. The Air Traffic Control analogy teaches us important lessons in the value of real-time, technology-driven coordination and collaboration. Adopting a crisis hub model for crisis services could significantly reduce the incidence of suicide by individuals in crisis.
16 сен 2024
