Maryland lawmakers passed a bill to permanently fund the 988 mental health hotline in the state with a fee on residents’ cell phones.
The 25-cent-a-month fee on all registered mobile phones is expected to bring in more than $25 million a year to hire staff and improve the technology at call centers.
Maryland’s 988 hotline has seen a 50% increase in calls since it opened in 2022 and a 1,000% increase in text messages.
“The mental health needs of Marylanders have never been greater and 988 is here to help,” said Dan Rabbitt, policy director at Behavioral Health System Baltimore and representative of the Fund MD 988 Campaign. “With the passage of this landmark legislation, Maryland will have the resources it needs to invest in the 988 helpline and provide support to all Marylanders in crisis.”
