Emergency & Crisis Response
Response to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use emergencies varies dramatically across the United States. Calling 911 has long been the default response, which can lead to inappropriate treatment and negative outcomes. We must create new systems, including but not limited to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to better serve Americans throughout the entire continuum of mental health and substance use care.
Browse the Featured Recommendations
Make mobile crisis services mandatory under Medicaid
Congress should make mobile crisis services mandatory under Medicaid. At a minimum, these services should be made a permanent state option available to states eligible for enhanced federal Medicaid match funding.[1]
Topics
Develop culturally competent guidelines for providers
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) should develop culturally competent guidelines for mental health and substance use service providers[1], particularly those serving predominantly underserved communities—particularly Black/African American; Hispanic/Latino; Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander; American Indian and Alaska Native; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex(LGBTQI+) communities[2][3]—through inclusive and responsive community engagement.
Topics
Pass the Black Mental Health Momnibus Act
Congress should pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (Momnibus 2.0) package, which includes 13 bills to address alarming disparities in Black maternal health.
Topics
Reimburse for contingency management
Congress should require Medicare and state Medicaid programs to reimburse for Contingency Management.
Topics
Promote the director of ONDCP to presidential cabinet
The President should elevate the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), which sits within the White House and oversees U.S. drug and substance use policy across 19 federal departments and agencies, to a cabinet-level position. Congress should also amend ONDCP’s authorizing statute to integrate mental health into the structure of the Office.
Topics
Ensure hospital compliance with EMTALA
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should issue guidance to hospitals on their obligations under the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) to stabilize and treat individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD), and Congress should provide financial resources to incentivize hospitals to hire appropriate staff for their emergency departments[1]