A message from Crisis Connections CEO, Michelle McDaniel
In 2025, we continued to strengthen Crisis Connections’ role as a vital lifeline for Washington residents in need of support, connection, and care. Through our network of crisis lines and community-centric programs, we provided compassionate assistance to tens of thousands of individuals experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, and other life crises. One of our proudest accomplishments was launching the Stop Hate Hotline for King County, which gives residents a safe and supportive space to report acts of hate and bias. This new service reflects our deep commitment to fostering belonging, safety, and dignity for every person in our community.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are preparing for an exciting milestone: beginning in January, Crisis Connections will be the sole operator of 211 for the entire state of Washington. This expansion reflects the trust placed in our ability to connect people with critical resources such as housing, food, transportation, and mental health support. With this transition, our 211 outreach is expected to grow by 240%, meaning hundreds of thousands more Washingtonians will be connected to the help they need. To support this growth, we are strengthening our infrastructure, technology, and training to ensure a seamless and equitable experience for everyone who reaches out.
As we move into 2026, we will continue to build on the success of our new and evolving programs. Our Mobile Crisis Dispatch Team, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary in December, will expand to deliver faster, more effective in-person responses for individuals in behavioral health crises. We are also growing our Diversion program to ensure that whether someone calls 911, 211, or 988, they are compassionately and efficiently connected to the service that best meets their needs. Together, these efforts reflect our ongoing vision for a future where every person in crisis can access timely, coordinated, and person-centered care.
