Subject:
Title
Memorandum of Understanding Between 211 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc d/b/a First Contact and Pinellas County Regional 9-1-1.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the attached memorandum of understanding detailing the appropriate criteria and process for transferring calls pertaining to suicidal subjects between the parties named.
• First Contact is designed and well-equipped to assist callers who are experiencing mental health challenges but who do not have a plan to or are actively trying to commit suicide.
• Regional 9-1-1 is designed and well-equipped to assist callers who have attempted or are in the process of attempting suicide.
• A thorough understanding of the best service provider specific to the caller’s needs is integral to providing the best service and support to the caller in their time of need.
• Callers may call either First Contact or 9-1-1 without regard to which service is most appropriate to their needs.
• A strong operational plan that provides efficient and effective service delivery is the foundation for a positive outcome for the caller.
• There is no additional fiscal impact for the County. Salaries for Regional 911 are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted budget. Recommended Action
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health
2.2 Enhance community safety
Smart Service Delivery
4.2 Achieve and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement
Summary:
In response to updated legislation and the implementation of the 988 service, managed by First Contact in the Tampa Bay Area, it is important to define relationships and processes between First Contact and 9-1-1 to best serve citizens experiencing mental health concerns related to suicide.
The agreement requires the County Administrator’s signature.
Background/Explanation:
Updated legislation and the implementation of the 988 service for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, require collaboration and partnership between the 988 service and
9-1-1 service providers. This collaboration allows those in mental health crisis to be effectively supported regardless of who the caller contacts and what their needs may be.
This memorandum of understanding will support efficient, high-quality services through the partnership of 988 and 9-1-1 within Pinellas County and enhance services provided to callers considering suicide at various levels.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact on the County.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (A)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Judith Weshinskey-Price, Director, Regional 911 Division
James Fogarty, Bureau Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
211 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc d/b/a First Contact
Attachments:
Memorandum of Understanding Between 211 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc d/b/a First Contact and Pinellas County Regional 9-1-1.