Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. The consultant will work to enhance collaboration with 911 (PSAPs), first responders, and Mobile Crisis Resource Teams by developing state protocols for 988, 911, Mobile Crisis Response Teams, and first responders’ collaboration and interoperability. 2. Facilitate activities to improve collaboration among first responders, 988, and the public mental health system. 3. To assist in the review of current follow-up protocols for individuals who contact 988 and would like to receive follow-up behavioral health care in their local community after they experience a crisis involving them having contacted 988 and the development of ongoing follow-up partnerships and protocols. 4. Enhance partnerships across the state to review and refine protocols, policies, and systems to streamline access to mobile crisis and crisis response teams for 988 centers. 5. Organize and facilitate 988 Planning and Implementation Coalition meetings and activities. 6. Develop and solicit feedback from stakeholders in Mississippi regarding crisis system services and supports and utilize feedback to make recommendations on crisis system gaps, strengths, and needs. 7. Research and provide consultation and written recommendations on technical systems and solutions to better support individuals throughout the crisis care continuum and a dispatching system for the 988 Lifeline Centers and the Mobile Crisis Response Teams. 8. Research best practices in crisis care and provide consultation to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. 9. Research and make recommendations of costs and funding strategies for ongoing 988 services. 10. Develop report on behalf of the 9-8-8 Study Commission that provides recommendations to: 1) Remove barriers to access behavioral health crisis services; 2) Ensure that all residents receive a consistent and effective level of behavioral health crisis services no matter where they live, work or travel in the state; 3) Adequately fund the crisis response services system statewide to support the sustainability of call centers and crisis services, looking at ongoing funding by Medicaid, federal and state revenue, or other funding sources; 4) Propose strategies and polices for ongoing coordination with 911 and law enforcement; and 5) Propose strategies for supporting investment in new technology to triage calls and link individuals to follow-up care.
