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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crisis Connections and HealthierHere today announced a new partnership to ensure that a statewide call center for Washington residents trying to access health and social services will remain open following a sudden and brief closure due to federal health funding cuts.
Established as part of Washington Department of Health’s Care Connect program, the call center staffed by Crisis Connections closed on March 27th following the program’s immediate termination by the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) – part of more than $160 million in federal funding cuts to COVID pandemic-era grants in Washington State.
Shortly afterward, HealthierHere contacted Crisis Connections to restore the service by re-allocating existing funding. By April 2nd, the call center was open with its nine staff rehired.
"We are incredibly grateful to HealthierHere for their swift action and partnership to restore this vital service," said Michelle McDaniel, CEO of Crisis Connections. "This program serves as a critical resource for thousands of Washingtonians facing complex health and essential needs challenges. By maintaining our role as a Central Access Point, we can continue connecting residents with their local Community Care Hubs and resources when they need them most, help them navigate the various systems, and provide follow-up to ensure effective care. By working together, this program helps reduce barriers and duplication of services, improves health outcomes and quality of care, and advances health equity.”
The call center routes community members calling in from across Washington State to one of nine regional Community Care Hubs operated by Accountable Communities of Health, including King County-based HealthierHere. The Hubs match callers with local community-based workers - who often share their lived experiences, language, and culture - to help them find and access available resources like food, housing, utility assistance, health insurance, childcare, and more.
The funding cuts are not isolated to Washington. This DOGE-led federal effort aims to claw back $11 billion in COVID funding previously allocated to state and local health departments.
“When crisis strikes, we come together and act quickly to protect the infrastructure, programs, and staffing critical to our community’s health and well-being,” said John Kim, CEO of HealthierHere. “We are proud to partner with Crisis Connections to help ensure people can access the support they need, when they need it.”
Washington residents seeking health and social services can call 1-833-453-0336 to get enrolled in the program. Language assistance is available. Call center hours are 9am-5pm weekdays, closed on weekends.
About Crisis Connections:
Since 1964, Crisis Connections has been the lifeline for 650,000 people annually across Washington State who need immediate, compassionate support. We believe no one should face life's challenges alone. With dedicated teams answering calls, texts, and chats 24/7, we provide real human connection when it matters most. Our network of services – including King County's 988 and 211, regional crisis lines, Community Care Hub Central Access Point, Teen Link, Warm Line, Recovery Help Line, and support after suicide programs – ensures everyone receives the right help, no matter which door they enter. Crisis Connections isn't just about managing crises; we're about building pathways to healing, hope, and stability for all. Learn more at crisisconnections.org.
About HealthierHere:
HealthierHere is a non-profit collaborative dedicated to eliminating health disparities and improving the health and well-being of all people in King County through innovative, cross-sector partnerships. HealthierHere serves as the Accountable Community of Health (ACH) for King County and operates the HealthierHere Community Hub. We foster collaboration to address systemic inequities, urgent public health needs, and complex problems that no organization or sector can solve on its own. Learn more at https://healthierhere.org/.
Press Contact
Graeme Aegerter - Associate Director of Communications, HealthierHere
206-413-6394
media@healthierhere.org