988 & 911: Strengthening Crisis Response While Managing Risk and Liability

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a nationwide network of over 200 crisis centers providing immediate behavioral health support through calls, texts, and chats. Created to better address behavioral health emergencies, 988 complements traditional 911 systems by connecting individuals in crisis with trained counselors and appropriate resources.

Effective collaboration between 988 and 911 is essential to ensure the right response for each crisis. Lessons from 2024 national discussions highlight that strong relationships and trust between partners are key to overcoming logistical, legal, and liability concerns. This self-study course clarifies roles, responsibilities, and best practices to strengthen coordination, improve communication, and enhance crisis response.

Completion of this self-study course provides 1 CEU hour.