We are employees of CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank, located in Iowa City, Iowa. We have been recently notified that we have been laid off due to the end of the funding for our 988 national chat contract. CommUnity has a rich history deeply rooted in a profound commitment to the well-being of our residents and the clients who reach out to us from across the United States. This organization is more than just a service provider; we are a compassionate community of over 200 dedicated employees who tirelessly serve our mission, and support those in crisis. These individuals not only work in person but also extend their support remotely to neighboring states.

     The mission has always been to provide mental health support to those in need. Our lifeline national chat queue service, which is called 988, has been a beacon of hope and comfort for many people. It has helped those who are struggling with mental health issues and crises by offering them a safe place and unwavering support during their darkest moments. Our team is dedicated, and the quality of chats they provide is exceptional. We want to make sure that everyone seeking help is heard and supported, and our interactions with our clients reflect this commitment.

     However, our sense of purpose and dedication to our community was profoundly shaken when we received the disheartening news that Vibrant was cutting our funding for our 988 National Chat Queue line. October 1st, hundreds of trained counselors across the country will no longer be answering this vital service. This abrupt decision has had a far-reaching and devastating impact, not just on our organization but on the countless lives that depend on this invaluable resource.

     As someone who has personally witnessed the incredible impact of this lifeline service, I am deeply saddened by this choice to withdraw support. The lifeline was a lifeline in the truest sense, a source of hope, compassion, and intervention when it mattered most. It provided a critical safety net for individuals in crisis, and its absence has left a void that cannot be understated.

     To highlight the significance of this lifeline service and why its reinstatement is an urgent necessity, let us consider some relevant and alarming facts:

- Mental Health Crisis: Recent studies have shown a significant increase in mental health crises across the United States. Factors such as economic hardships and social isolation have exacerbated the situation.
- Overwhelming Demand: Before the funding cuts, our 988 backup line was flooded with calls each day from individuals seeking immediate assistance during their darkest moments. The removal of this essential resource leaves vulnerable members of our community without access to critical support services, deepening the crisis.
- Successful Intervention: The exceptional answer rates achieved by our dedicated team bear witness to the lives saved through timely intervention and compassionate conversations. Each chat was a lifeline, offering a glimmer of hope to those in despair.
- Community Impact: Cutting funding for the 988 backup line not only affects those directly seeking help but also reverberates through our community, affecting families, friends, and loved ones who rely on this lifeline to support those who are struggling. The consequences of this decision ripple far and wide.

     It is critical to recognize that this decision to cut our 988 lifeline funding was not acceptable, not only to us but to the other centers as well. In doing so, they have disrupted the livelihoods and passions of many dedicated individuals who were committed to serving our community's mental health needs.

     I, the petitioner, urge vibrant to reconsider its decision and restore full support for the 988 national chat queue in Iowa City. Together, let us ensure that no one in crisis is left without a quality lifeline when they need it most.

We Demand Answers and Solutions. 

In solidarity, 

A CommUnity Crisis Servies and Food Bank Employee 

09/15/2023