Columbia, Md.-based Grassroots Crisis Intervention will lay off 62 employees after the federal 988 National Back-Up Text and Chat contract was discontinued, a spokesperson told Becker’s.
The reduction in force will take effect Sept. 29, 2026. Grassroots will continue answering calls, chats and texts to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline from Central Maryland consumers.
“We are working to determine how this will affect our overall budget and operations, but this is not expected to affect Grassroots’ other free, 24-hour crisis, mental health, substance use or homeless services, which are staffed by 130 professionals,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to serving individuals and families who are most vulnerable in our community and in need of critical, free services that can only be found at Grassroots.”
The nonprofit organization provides free, 24-hour crisis intervention, mental health, substance use disorder, housing support and suicide prevention services, according to its website.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
