Stephen 'tWitch' Boss dies by suicide: What to know about 988 prevention lifeline in Ohio
As of July, Ohioans experiencing a mental health crisis have been able to call or text a three-digit number that is now the new national suicide prevention hotline across the U.S.
Eric Lagatta
After Stephen "tWitch" Boss's death by suicide on Tuesday, tributes have poured in from a variety of public figures, many of whom expressed shock and heartbreak at the sudden loss of the beloved dancer and DJ.
Boss, a charismatic choreographer, DJ and co-host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," was found dead at a hotel at the age of 40. He's survived by his wife and three children.
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The news left many who knew him personally or who were simply longtime fans grieving. But for those who struggle with suicidal ideation, the news can additionally trigger their own thoughts of self-harm.
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For Ohioans who may need help, here are things to know about the recent launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
What is the 988 crisis line?
Since July, Ohioans experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation have had a new and simplified way of reaching help fast.
The 988 hotline launched nationwide on July 16, providing a simplified alternative to the longstanding 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. Every state is responsible for operating their own crisis centers to handle call volumes, and Ohio officials have said that in addition to being easier to remember, the 988 hotline expanded coverage to all corners of the state in order to better respond to Ohioans in mental health crisis.
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How does the 988 hotline work?
Ohioans who are contemplating suicide, or experiencing another mental health or addiction crisis, can call, text, or chat the 988 number.
Family members who worry that a loved one is experiencing one of those crises may also contact the number.
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The caller will be connected with a trained counselor who can offer help, such as connecting the person with a mobile crisis response team that may include a first responder or a clinical counselor.
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Those experiencing a life-threatening emergency should continue to call 911, but the 988 hotline is also intended to alleviate 911 call volumes.
What is different?
Crisis call centers in Ohio have long struggled to obtain the level of funding and staffing to support the growing need.
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This has led to long waits and, at times, the inability for the caller to connect with someone in-state at a time when suicides are rising steadily. In the last 12 months, 79,358 calls were made in Ohio to the national hotline, and the department estimated that the 988 line could get at least 179,000 calls and texts in just the first year.
In preparation for the launch of the 988 hotline, Ohio expanded from 12 to 19 crisis center providers. There are two in Franklin County, and one each in Delaware County, Fairfield County and Licking County.
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A statewide backup network was also implemented to meet the goal of a 90% in-state answer rate so that people are less likely to be connected to out-of-state people in a national backup network.
Who oversees the 988 hotline in Ohio?
In Ohio, the 988 crisis line is supported by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and itsfirst year of operations is fully funded with federal dollars that the department has dedicatedto its launch.
Doug Jackson, former deputy director at the Ohio Treasurer's office, was announced in June as the administrator of the hotline.
Jackson is also a former superintendent with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
How is it funded?
Funding is in place through June 30, 2023, said Lori Criss, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. That accounts for the coming 2022-2023 fiscal year, and Criss said her office is working with the Ohio General Assembly to identify a sustainable funding plan.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provided a two-year, $3.3-million grant to Ohio for improving its capacity to take calls, collecting data and for policy development.
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The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has dedicated about $20 million in federal funding for startup costs in the first year.
On May 25, the Ohio House approved House Bill 468. If approved by the state Senate and signed by Gov. Mike DeWine into law, the bill would establish a repository in the state treasury for Ohio to receive funding for the 988 hotline.
Gov. Mike DeWine's administration is also evaluating ongoing use and needs to determine the appropriate funding plan for the long-term.
"We're trying to address a problem in our community that we know is a need, and we have to find better ways to do it, more innovative ways to do it," Rep. Gail Pavliga, R-Atwater, the bill's sponsor, said at June news conference ahead of the rollout. "And I believe 988 does that."
Eric Lagatta is a reporter at the Columbus Dispatch covering social justice issues and non-profits. Reach him at elagatta@dispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricLagatta.