Seatbelts existed for decades before they became standard—and even longer before people actually used them. The same is true for effective substance use crisis tools.
We have direct access pathways, 988 crisis lines, and alternatives to 911 that keep people out of emergency departments and away from law enforcement—but most systems still aren’t using them. These tools work. They save lives. They reduce costs. So why have they sat on the shelf for so long?
In this episode, Dr. Chuck Browning, CEO & President at Behavioral Health Link, sits down with Joy Brunson-Nsubuga, COO at Recovery Innovations, Inc., to explore:
- Why proven substance use crisis tools have been underutilized
- How 988 and direct crisis pathways are finally gaining traction
- What direct access to care looks like—and why it matters
- The flow of care that connects people to recovery
- What’s changing now that’s making adoption possible
Whether you’re a state mental health commissioner, crisis system leader, or behavioral health provider, this conversation offers essential insights into building crisis response that actually works for substance use disorders.
This is the first episode in our series on substance use crisis care—where we’ll continue exploring the models, tools, and evidence that are transforming how we respond to one of our most critical public health challenges.
About The Expert Is In:
Partnering today to shape tomorrow’s crisis care. Each episode features nationally recognized experts breaking down complex crisis care models into actionable insights for decision-makers—so you can build smarter systems today.