2022 advocacy expanded edition

11 Investment Is Needed in Existing Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) and Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) Programs N JAMHAA looks forward to contracts being awarded soon to implement the expansion of EISS programs to all 21 counties with the appropriation made in the FY2022 budget. These programs, often based on a “living room model” of care and comparable to urgent care centers, are an essential component of the future 988 Crisis Response System, offering easy access not only for individuals in crisis, but also to all before they reach a crisis stage. EISS programs have served to both divert individuals from emergency rooms (ERs) and assist those who have visited ERs and been discharged to the community to stabilize and engage with services. They are well-suited to employ mobile crisis outreach teams that will be part of the 988 Crisis Response System as most already have well- established relationships with PESS (often the same organization operates both EISS and PESS in a county). EISS funding has not been increased for a decade or longer. A $1.1 million appropriation for the 11 established programs will help ease the fiscal strain on programs as they prepare for their anticipated role in the 988 system. Also needed is an initial investment of $1.5 million for the recently established (2020) grant program for Screening Centers that will enable expansion of mobile, satellite and other outreach services. PESS programs, historically underfunded, have been unable to support the staffing models needed to fully carry out their mission. They must be funded to do so in the future 988 Crisis Response System.