SPRINGFIELD – In order to make the 988 hotline as effective as possible for hotline operators and people experiencing a mental health crisis, State Senator Laura Fine is launching an initiative to review data from the first year of operations and recommend updates for the future.

“As the 988 hotline is the most accessible form of mental health care in Illinois, it is imperative that we are operating it in the most effective way to provide the best care for Illinoisans struggling with their mental health,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This study will provide more insight into where we can grow and adjust our operations to better serve people experiencing a mental health crisis.”

Last year, Illinois launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health hotline, offering 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing a mental health-related crisis. The hotline has been beneficial to many Illinoisans, and this study will ensure we continue to improve the 988 system.

House Bill 1364 would create a task force to review existing information about the first year of the 988 call center operations in Illinois and examine the recommendations and decisions of previous state-led workgroups on transforming the mental health crisis response system. The task force would develop a path forward to improve services provided by the network of 988 call centers in Illinois that will best promote connection to care and obtain sustainable funding for the 988 call centers in future fiscal years.

"Collaboration across agencies and providers will be critical to the ongoing success of 988," said State Representative Guzzardi (D-Chicago). "This working group will chart a road map for the future of crisis response in our state, and I'm eager to begin the discussion."

House Bill 1364 passed the Senate on Wednesday.