OhioMHAS announced the appointment of Doug Jackson as Ohio’s new 988 System Administrator. Jackson recently served as a deputy director with the State Treasurer’s Office, overseeing the STABLE Account, an investment and spending tool for people with disabilities. He previously served as a superintendent with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, as an adjunct professor at Wright State University, in administration of services and supports at the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and as a program coordinator with Champaign Residential Services, Inc.

As Ohio’s 988 Administrator, Jackson will oversee the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and services related to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and its Ohio provider network; ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, laws, and budgetary requirements; oversee grants, contracts and allocation processes; supervise staff; assist OhioMHAS leadership with legislation and/or administrative rules; develop and maintain relationships that support collaboration with other local, state, and federal agencies and organizations; share information related to crisis and prevention services across interdepartmental and interdisciplinary teams and workgroups; and effectively communicate the philosophies and goals of 988, suicide prevention and the crisis response continuum. He will also assist the department with the integration of behavioral health crisis call center activities and suicide prevention services into a coordinated continuum of care to promote individualized recovery and resilience. Click here to learn more about Ohio’s planning efforts related to the July 16 transition to 988.