Big Updates, Real Momentum

Dear Community of Hope,

We are at an inflection point in crisis care.

Since the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2022, the field has moved from vision to velocity. Demand is up. Access is expanding. And for the first time, we share a national understanding that mental health, substance use and suicidal crises deserve the same kind of coordinated, reliable response that medical emergencies receive.

The question now is whether we complete the transformation—much like 911 evolved into a full emergency medical response system—or allow the power of the status quo to slow or stall progress, as happened when the bold, original vision of CIT never fully translated into direct access to care at scale.

That moment is exactly why Crisis Now IV exists. In partnership with NASMHPD, Global Leadership Exchange, and NEAMI Australia, this global convening is designed to confront what comes next. The program features four critical debates shaping the future of crisis systems; two fireside chats with global innovators; four Lived Experience–driven TED-style talks; and two special events, including the Battle of the Bills with Rep. Steve Eliason and Sen. Tina Orwall, as well as an international panel on Holding the Line: Safety, Dignity, and Care in High-Intensity Crisis.

We’ll also take participants inside the work itself through virtual tours of groundbreaking crisis implementations—from a mobile crisis hub in Phoenix to an urgent care model in Adelaide—and integrate directly into the NASMHPD annual conference, centering the state leaders where real-world transformation is already happening.

If this moment resonates, we invite you to be part of it. Visit CrisisJam.com to learn more and register for Crisis Now IV, taking place July 28–29, 2026 in Washington, DC. Space is intentionally limited to preserve the depth of dialogue and connection this work requires.

With gratitude and determination,
David W. Covington, LPC, MBA
CEO & President, Recovery Innovations, Inc.
Managing Partner, Behavioral Health Link

Visit me at DavidwCovington.com/storyteller.

📣 Crisis Now 4 Summit — Website Now Live!

We’re excited to share that the Crisis Now 4 Summit website is officially live! Visit the site to explore the event details: 👉 https://crisisjam.com/crisisnow4/

Building on more than a decade of global collaboration and prior Crisis Now summits, this gathering will spotlight proven models, real-world implementation strategies, and system-level innovations that strengthen crisis response, improve outcomes, and save lives.

At Crisis Now 4, you can expect to:
✔️ Innovate – Explore emerging approaches and tools shaping the future of crisis care
✔️ Implement – Learn how successful systems are putting evidence into practice
✔️ Impact – Understand what’s driving meaningful, sustainable change across communities

📍 Washington, D.C. | July 28–29, 2026
🔗 Learn more at https://crisisjam.com/crisisnow4/

Sponsorship opportunities are available. If your organization is interested in sponsoring Crisis Now 4, please review our sponsorship packages and contact karenj@riinternational.com

🎬 Crisis Jam 2025 Wrapped — Watch What We Watched, Shared & Showed Up For

Take a look back at the conversations, moments, and momentum that defined Crisis Jam in 2025. This short recap highlights the sessions, speakers, and topics our community engaged with most—reflecting our shared commitment to shaping the future of crisis response, together. It’s a snapshot of how learning, collaboration, and real-world practice came together across the year.

👉 Watch the recap: https://youtu.be/7sQ57pQaqZI

🎙️ New Podcast: CrisisTalk — Episode 1 Out Now!

We’re excited to launch CrisisTalk, a new podcast from the Crisis Now community exploring key issues in crisis response and behavioral health systems. 🚀 Episode 1: AI and Mental Health dives into the opportunities and challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health support — a critical conversation as innovation reshapes how we understand and deliver care.

👉 Listen now: https://talk.crisisnow.com/ai-and-mental-health-ep-1/

Whether you’re curious about emerging tech, implementation questions, or how AI fits into shaping the future of crisis response — together, this episode sets the tone for an ongoing series of thoughtful discussions with experts and system leaders.

📈 A Clear Path to Sustainable Crisis Care – Insight + Support for Systems Change

One-time funding can launch crisis services, but true sustainability requires strategic integration into the broader healthcare system. Our latest blog, “A Clear Path to Sustainable Crisis Care,” breaks down practical, replicable steps communities can take to ensure long-term access to crisis services by aligning reimbursement strategies with federal parity laws and cost-effective system design. Read the full piece here

At Recovery Innovations Consulting & Training (RICT), we partner with states, counties, health systems, and community behavioral health leaders to turn insights like these into action. From system design and crisis care integration to funding strategy, parity implementation, and workforce development, our team brings deep subject-matter expertise and practical support to help transform crisis care systems.

👉 Explore consulting and training services: https://consulting.riinternational.com/
Whether you’re refining strategy, planning implementation, or seeking technical assistance, RICT is here to help communities build sustainable systems that deliver real impact.

🚀 Welcome Laura Evans — New SVP of Strategy, Communications & Government Affairs

We’re thrilled to announce that Laura Evans has joined RI International as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Communications, and Government Affairs. In this new role, Laura will help guide our strategic vision, deepen engagement across public and private sectors, and amplify our impact as we work with partners to advance transforming care across crisis response and behavioral health systems.

Laura brings deep experience in strategic communications, policy, and system-level advocacy — expertise that will be invaluable as RI continues to grow its influence, strengthen collaborations, and shape solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing crisis care today.

Please join us in welcoming Laura to the RI family — we’re excited for what’s ahead as we continue shaping the future of crisis response — together.

Read the full press release here

🚀 Beyond the Purchase: Planning for True Integration in Behavioral Health Crisis Systems

We’re excited to share a new BHL blog that takes a closer look at what it really takes to build integrated, effective crisis systems. In Beyond the Purchase, Behavioral Health Link explores why meaningful integration goes far beyond buying technology—highlighting the importance of intentional planning, aligned workflows, and long-term sustainability across 988 call centers, mobile crisis teams, facilities, and follow-up care. This piece offers practical insights for leaders who want to move from fragmented tools to connected systems that strengthen coordination, improve outcomes, and help shape the future of crisis response—together.

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