City of Columbia, Missouri - File #: TMP-25408

• File #: TMP-25408
• Version: 1
• Type: Board of Health Item
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 9/28/2023
• Meeting Body: Board of Health
• On agenda: 10/12/2023
• Title: a. Director, Crisis Services, Central Region Carisa Kessler (Burrell Behavioral Health) Carisa Kessler introduced herself to the Board and provided information about the 988 crisis hotline. Each state has their own certified 988 answering service. The crisis hotline helps with a litany of issues not just people who are suicidal. There are many options that callers can choose such as responders from the Veterans Administration, LGBTQ responders, and Spanish speaking representatives. The call is routed to the nearest call center based upon area code and prefix. Crisis Services is working on getting people directed to call centers based on geographic location. Kessler discussed the frequency of calls and which months have the highest number of calls. The most calls come in the spring, where people are more likely to commit suicide. Central Region Crisis Services will send a representative to someone’s location, if it has been determined to be safe. 988 will discuss the specific...

...Title

a. Director, Crisis Services, Central Region Carisa Kessler (Burrell Behavioral Health)

Carisa Kessler introduced herself to the Board and provided information about the 988 crisis hotline.  Each state has their own certified 988 answering service.  The crisis hotline helps with a litany of issues not just people who are suicidal.  There are many options that callers can choose such as responders from the Veterans Administration, LGBTQ responders, and Spanish speaking representatives.  The call is routed to the nearest call center based upon area code and prefix.  Crisis Services is working on getting people directed to call centers based on geographic location.  Kessler discussed the frequency of calls and which months have the highest number of calls.  The most calls come in the spring, where people are more likely to commit suicide.  Central Region Crisis Services will send a representative to someone’s location, if it has been determined to be safe.   988 will discuss the specific crisis, dispatchers will try to keep them talking and try to get those callers from harming themselves or committing suicide.  Texting is available and is often used by teenagers.  988 dispatchers are working to take calls that would have been handled by 911 based services, such as domestic disputes.  A physical location has been added on Walnut Street.  The first location works with anyone 18 and up to help with mental behaviors.  Central Regional Crisis Services are working on opening a second location.  Kessler answered questions about staffing and what training people would need to work at the Central Region Crisis Center.  Kessler stated that they both need a range of qualifications from bachelor’s degree and Master’s degrees.  Although, the Crisis Center is fully staffed when it comes to dispatchers.  The 988 phone number is now listed on the back of Columbia Public Schools Student IDs.  Kessler asked the Board and spread any information about the Crisis Center to their respective networks.