SAMHSA required a partner with demonstrated expertise in mental health systems evaluation to assess the implementation of the 988 Lifeline. The evaluation needed to address performance gaps, uncover potential disparities in service delivery and offer actionable insights. The project involved evaluating crisis centers, mobile response teams and stabilization services across tribal nations and local health systems. The effort also included delivering operational support to 988 grantees and submitting data-driven performance reports to Congress.
SAMHSA partnered with Aptive to lead the national evaluation of the 988 Crisis Services Framework, building on prior experience managing high-stakes suicide prevention initiatives such as the Clay Hunt Act-mandated report to Congress.
Aptive designed a comprehensive data collection and evaluation plan rooted in operational performance measurement and data-driven workforce solutions. The plan included protocols for virtual evaluator sessions and feedback collection via an Evaluation Advisory Panel (EAP). It also detailed instruments, data analysis methods and human-subject protections, along with grantee participation support.
Aptive delivers tailored technical assistance to all 988 crisis continuum grantees. A dedicated team of technical assistance liaisons (TALs) provide ongoing support, leveraging subject matter expertise in suicide prevention and evaluation. Annual briefings ensure TALs remained aligned with evolving guidance under the 988 framework. The training and support structure was built around implementation science, capacity-building best practices and continuous data application to improve operations.
To centralize data operations, Aptive developed the Crisis Services Program Data Center (CSPDC), a secure and scalable platform supporting collection, storage and integration of evaluation data. The CSPDC was designed to adapt to new protocols and unify inputs from multiple sources. Aptive maintains data integrity through validation, anonymization and systematic documentation while ensuring security and confidentiality.
Aptive develops and maintains all materials required to communicate evaluation progress and outcomes to SAMHSA, Congress and other partners. These included quarterly and annual reports, final evaluations, briefing materials, conference documents and internal summaries used to support continued alignment. An example of our monitoring is illustrated in the graph below.
Aptive created the foundational work plan to document evaluation processes, guide operational planning and clarify reporting timelines and measures of success.
The EAP provided comprehensive feedback that guided methodology and validated the importance of responsive, collaborative evaluation strategies.
Aptive administered an Evaluation Needs Assessment to identify challenges among grantees and refine resource development for upcoming coordination meetings.
Aptive led the planning and development of the OMB submission package to align with federal reporting standards and demonstrate the effectiveness of the 988 Crisis Services Framework.
Developed national evaluation work plan
Synthesized advisory panel recommendations for operational improvement
Submitted comprehensive OMB reporting package
