Crisis Response Improvement Strategy (CRIS) committees

Crisis response improvement strategy overview

The Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1477 which directs the Health Care Authority (HCA), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Behavioral Health Institute (BHI) at Harborview Medical Center to create the Crisis Response Improvement Strategy (CRIS) Committee and Steering Committee. Both committees include legislatures, providers, consumers, and partner agencies.

Read more about the committee members.

Meeting schedule and materials

Learn about public comments at CRIS meetings.

2023

CRIS Committee

Date	How to join	Meeting materials
Wednesday, February 15		View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.  View the meeting summary.  View the meeting recording.  CRIS Updates Newsletter (February 2023)  Written public comments (as of February 8, 2023)
Wednesday, March 22		View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.  View the meeting summary.  View the meeting recording.  CRIS Updates Newsletter (March 2023)  Written public comments (as of March 22, 2023)
Wednesday, April 26		View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.  View the meeting summary.  View the meeting recording.  CRIS Updates Newsletter (April 2023)  Written public comments (as of April 19, 2023)  WA DOH Youth behavioral health impact report  WA DOH COVID-19 behavioral health forecast summary  HCA Access to behavioral health report
Tuesday, May 16		View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.  View the meeting summary.  View the meeting recording.  CRIS Updates Newsletter (May 2023)  Written public comments (as of May 10, 2023)  CRIS Subcommittee report (April 2023)
Tuesday, June 20		In-person option: There is now also an in-person option for this meeting. Please join us in the Sue Crystal A/B Conference rooms on the first floor of the main HCA building. Check in with reception. Directions are available on the HCA contact page.  View the HCA contact page for directions and parking information.  View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.  View the meeting summary.  View the meeting recording.  CRIS Updates Newsletter (June 2023)  Crisis stabilization services: root cause analysis  Written public comments (as of June 21, 2023)  CRIS Subcommittee report (May 2023)
Monday, July 17		View the meeting agenda. View the meeting presentation. View the meeting summary.  View the meeting recording.  CRIS Updates Newsletter (July 2023)  Behavioral Health and First Responder workgroup updates Mobile Crisis Response for Adults and Youth  Written public comments (as of July 11, 2023)  CRIS Subcommittee report (June 2023)
Tuesday, August 29		In-person option: There is now also an in-person option to access the Zoom for this meeting. Please join us at the Pat Steel Building, 325 9th Ave Seattle, WA 98122, Conference room PS 5022 (5th floor).  View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.  View the meeting recording.  CRIS Updates Newsletter (August 2023)  Crisis System Synthesized Gaps   Written public comments (as of August 29, 2023)  CRIS Subcommittee report (July 2023)  Crisis Care Centers Initiative presentation
Tuesday, September 19	Join the meeting via Zoom.	Meeting focus: This meeting will focus on prioritizing recommendations to address gaps in Washington’s crisis response service continuum. The CRIS Committee discussion will inform the Steering Committee’s recommendations to be included in the 2024 committee progress report. In-person option: Please join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport, 18740 International Blvd. Seattle, WA 98188. View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.  View the meeting recording.  Someone to call: Synthesized Gaps and Opportunities Someone to come: Synthesized Gaps and Opportunities  A Safe place to be: Synthesized Gaps and Opportunities  Written public comments (as of September 20, 2023)
Tuesday, November 7 Noon to 3 p.m.

Steering Committee

Date	How to join	Meeting materials
Tuesday, June 6		View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting summary.  View the meeting presentation.  View the meeting recording.
Tuesday, September 26		This meeting has been cancelled.
Monday, December 18 1 to 3 p.m.

Lived Experience Subcommittee

Date	How to join	Meeting materials
Tuesday, January 3		Meeting focus: Opportunity for individuals and families with lived experience to share behavioral health crisis system perspectives and priorities directly with Washington Legislators. In addition to Sen. Dhingra, Sen. Warnick, Rep. Orwall, and Rep. Dent who are on the 988 CRIS committee, many other legislators on both sides of the aisle will be at this meeting to listen to your feedback.
Monday, February 13		Meeting focus: Share lived experience perspectives on gaps in the crisis system continuum. View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.
Monday, March 13		Meeting focus: Legislative update and sharing Lived Experience perspectives on the “Someone to Come” crisis response models   View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.
Monday, April 10		Meeting focus: Youth Crisis Response System and Key Considerations for Improving  View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.
Monday, May 8		Meeting focus: Crisis dispatch protocol review  Discussion of first responder collaboration  Feedback on crisis stabilization services and gaps in Washington  View the meeting agenda.
Monday, June 12		Meeting focus: the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA), its role in 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Response, and how lived experience input is being incorporated into system changes. View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.
Monday, July 10		Meeting focus: your perspective on the CRIS process. What has engaging in this process been like for you? What helps you continue showing up? Are you feeling seen/heard and respected when you share?  View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.
Monday, August 14		Meeting focus: "Someone to Come." This meeting will include a presentation of the synthesis of recommendations being considered by the CRIS and Steering Committee, with the intention of ensuring that we have incorporated lived experience perspectives. View the meeting agenda.  View the HMA presentation recording.
Monday, September 11		Meeting focus: The meeting will focus on a discussion with Washington State Department of Health and Washington Health Care Authority, and upcoming opportunities for Lived Experience input, including informing the 988 media campaign and other opportunities. View the meeting agenda.  View the meeting presentation.
Monday, October 16  1 to 3 p.m.
Monday, November 13 1 to 3 p.m.
Monday, December 11  1 to 3 p.m.

Past meetings

2022

Committee	Date	How to join	Meeting materials
CRIS Committee	February 1		Meeting agenda (2/1/2022) Meeting summary (2/1/2022) Initial assessment (12/31/21) CRIS member written comments on the initial assessment (as of 1/21/22) CRIS high-level work plan (draft)  View the meeting recording (2/1/2022)
Steering Committee	February 10		Meeting agenda (2/10/2022) Meeting summary (2/10/2022)  High level work plan (2/10/2022)  View the meeting recording (2/10/2022)
CRIS Committee	March 15		Meeting agenda (3/15/2022) Meeting summary (3/15/2022)  View the meeting presentation (3/15/2022) View the meeting recording (3/15/2022)
Lived Experience Subcommittee	March 21		Meeting agenda (3/21/2022)  Meeting summary (3/21/2022)
Steering Committee	March 24		Meeting agenda (3/24/2022)  Meeting summary (3/24/2022)  View the meeting presentation (3/24/2022)  View the meeting recording (3/24/2022)
Lived Experience Subcommittee	Monday, April 18		Meeting agenda (4/18/2022)  CRIS draft vision and guiding principles  Join the meeting
CRIS Committee	Tuesday, May 10		Meeting agenda (5/10/2022) Meeting summary (5/10/2022) View the meeting presentation (5/10/2022)  CRIS draft vision and guiding principles Comments on CRIS draft vision and guiding principles  View the meeting recording (5/10/2022)
Steering Committee	Thursday, May 19		Meeting agenda (5/19/2022) Meeting summary (5/19/2022) View the meeting presentation (5/19/2022)  Revisions of draft vision and guiding principles  Comments on draft vision and guiding principles View the meeting recording (5/19/2022)
Lived Experience Subcommittee	Tuesday, June 7		Meeting agenda (06/07/2022) View the meeting presentation (06/07/2022)
CRIS Committee	Tuesday, July 12		View the meeting agenda (7/12/2022) View the meeting presentation (07/12/2022) View the meeting recording (07/12/2022) Crisis services best practice summary High-level work plan (July status update) Learn more about adult crisis response services Learn more about youth crisis response services
Lived Experience Subcommittee	Wednesday, July 13		View the meeting agenda (7/13/2022)  View the meeting presentation (07/13/2022)
Steering Committee	Wednesday, July 20		View the meeting agenda (7/20/2022) View the meeting presentation (7/20/2022)  View the meeting recording (7/20/2022)
Lived Experience Subcommittee	Monday, August 15		Join the meeting.  View the meeting agenda (8/15/2022)
CRIS Committee	Tuesday, September 20		Join the meeting.  View the meeting agenda (9/20/2022)  View the meeting summary (9/20/2022) View the meeting presentation (9/20/2022) View the meeting recording (9/20/2022)
Lived Experience Subcommittee	Monday, September 26		Join the meeting.  View the meeting agenda (9/26/2022) Print the NAMI worksheet
Steering Committee	Tuesday, October 25		Join the meeting.  View the meeting agenda (10/25/2022)  View the meeting summary (10/25/2022)  View the meeting presentation (10/25/2022)  View the meeting recording (10/25/2022)
CRIS Committee	Tuesday, November 15		Join the meeting View the meeting agenda (11/15/2022) View the meeting presentation (11/15/2022)  View the meeting recording (11/15/2022)
CRIS Committee	Tuesday, December 13		View the meeting agenda (12/13/2022) View the meeting presentation (12/13/2022) View the meeting recording (12/13/2022)
Steering Committee	Thursday, December 15		View the meeting agenda (12/15/2022)  View the meeting presentation (12/15/2022)  View the meeting recording (12/15/2022)
Lived Experience Subcommittee	Wednesday, December 21		Meeting focus: Reflecting on 988 in Washington in 2022

2021

CRIS Committee

Date	Meeting materials
September 30	Agenda (09/30/2021) Meeting materials (9/30/2021) Meeting summary (9/30/2021) CRIS Committee recording
November 16	Agenda (11/16/21) Meeting materials (11/16/2021) Meeting summary (11/16/2021) CRIS Committee recording Break out room 1 recording Break out room 2 recording Break out room 3 recording Break out room 4 recording Break out room 5 recording

Steering Committee

Date	Meeting materials
October 12	Meeting agenda (10/12/2021) Meeting summary (10/12/2021) Watch the October 12 steering committee meeting
November 9	Meeting agenda (11/9/2021) Meeting summary (11/9/2021) Meeting materials (11/9/2021) Watch the November 9 steering committee meeting

Subcommittees

Name of meeting	Date	Meeting materials
All-subcommittee kickoff	December 2	Meeting agenda (12/2/2021) Meeting materials (12/2/2021) Watch the Kickoff meeting (12/2/2021)

Committee members

CRIS Committee and Steering Committee

Members represent a diverse range of perspectives and serve in committee seats outlined by HB 1477. View the CRIS Committee and Steering Committee roster.

CRIS subcommittees

The Steering Committee formed seven CRIS subcommittees:

• Credentialing and Training Subcommittee
• Technology Subcommittee
• Cross-System Crisis Response Subcommittee
• Confidential Information Compliance and Coordination
• Rural and Agricultural Communities
• Lived Experience (open to all individuals and families with lived experience; subcommittee will not be limited in size)
• Tribal 988 Subcommittee (facilitated through the Tribal Centric Behavioral Health Advisory Board)

Subcommittees will help support implementation of the new 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and help develop recommendations for an integrated behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention system in Washington. The CRIS Steering Committee selected subcommittee members for their diverse community perspectives and professional expertise.

For information about subcommittee work, please see the HB 1477 Subcommittee report. 

Public comment

All CRIS Committee and Steering Committee meetings are public meetings. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to share input. All public comments, whether submitted during or outside of committee meetings, will be considered by CRIS Committee and Steering Committee members.

How do I make a public comment?

There is an opportunity at each CRIS and Steering Committee meeting to share comments, and members of the public who wish to do so can email Brittany Thompson, by noon one business day before the meeting. In addition, if you would like to submit a written comment, please email HCAprogram1477@hca.wa.gov.

Reports and documentation

Legislative reports

January 1, 2022: First legislative progress report, including result of a comprehensive assessment of the current behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention services system, and preliminary recommendations related to funding of crisis response services from the Statewide 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Response and Suicide Prevention Line Account (Account).

• Initial Assessment of the Behavioral Health Crisis Response and Suicide Prevention Services in Washington and Preliminary Funding Recommendations

January 1, 2023: Second legislative progress report

• Washington Behavioral Health Crisis Response and Suicide Prevention System: HB 1477 Committee Progress Report and Funding Recommendations for the 988 Line Tax, including recommendations related to crisis call center hubs, and final recommendations related to funding crisis response services from the Account

January 1, 2024: Final legislative report, including recommendations in 13+ areas outlined by the legislation.

Federal and State legislation

• Public Law 116-172 (988 Designation Act 2020)
• E2SHB 1477 Final Bill

HCA / DOH reports

HCA reports

• 988 system draft technical and operational plan to legislature
• 988 system final technical and operational plan to legislature

DOH documents

• Washington State 988 Implementation Plan
• Washington 988 State Volume and Cost Projections Report Vibrant Emotional Health
• DOH WA 988 Planning Grant project narrative
• Lifeline 988 State Planning Grant RFA
• Overview of Lifeline Network and Universal Platform
• Preparing for 988 Implementation
• Template 988 Implementation Plan
• User Guide 988 Implementation Plan
• Core Area Instructions — 988 Implementation Plan
• Coverage Area Schedule Worksheet for 988 Implementation Plan

DOH/Vibrant technical details

• 988 Implementation Coalition
• Technical details on Unified Platform
• Unified Platform benefits and implementation schedule
• Unified Platform public final press release

DOH presentations

• Vibrant Emotional Health/Lifeline CRM and CCS: key features and functional requirements (June 2021)

Resources

• 988 suicide and crisis lifeline | SAMHSA

Committee charters

Review the CRIS Committee charter and CRIS Steering Committee charter to learn more about their charge, roles and responsibilities, meeting guidelines, and more.