Individuals with experience in behavioral health and crisis services encouraged to apply
DENVER, CO (September 7, 2023) - Applications are now being accepted for three 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise Board of Directors positions.
The 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise is a seven-member, volunteer, governor-appointed board responsible for governing the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise. The 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise was created in 2021 to oversee the implementation of 988 programming in Colorado.
Board members are charged with participating in monthly meetings, reviewing and voting on 988 funding and policy development, imposing 988 surcharge and prepaid wireless 988 charge, and making decisions that shape the programs and services administered by 988 and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Board members will also interact with members of the public and work with third party system partners to improve and enhance crisis response infrastructure and innovation.
Individuals with experience in behavioral health and recovery services are encouraged to apply. See examples of applicable experience below:
- Behavioral health providers in the state;
- Individuals from the peer or lived experience community;
- County and/or local representatives;
- Individuals representing public health, social justice, peer advocacy, recovery services, emergency response, and/or criminal justice diversion;
- Individuals representing Tribal, agricultural, rural, frontier, and BIPOC communities
BHA strongly encourages diversity in its applicants and urges volunteers from all parts of the state with varied backgrounds and life experiences to apply. Interested applicants can apply here. The application is open until all vacancies are filled.
About 988:
988 is a mental health and substance use help line that offers free, confidential support 24/7 through call, text or chat-based support. The line operates through what was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It is a network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers around the country. People can connect with a trained 988 care specialist to get support when they are experiencing emotional distress or struggling with mental, behavioral health, or substance use challenges.
Since its inception in July 2022, 988 has answered nearly 68,000 calls in Colorado.
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