The strongest communities are not defined only by growth. They are defined by support. And in Arizona, support increasingly means investing in mental health infrastructure.
Mental health has moved from a taboo subject to an essential wellness priority. Since the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched nationally in July 2022, crisis calls have climbed steadily each year, and not just from people in acute danger.
"People are reaching out earlier," says Justin Chase, CEO of Solari Crisis and Human Services, which answers all 988 calls in Arizona twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
“This tells us that individuals see mental health as something to value, monitor and seek support for, in the same way they would care for their physical health.”
That shift represents a fundamental change in how we approach overall well being. What was once rarely discussed is now recognized as central to quality of life. Many people now seek support from counselors or therapists as part of routine self care.
Solari has been at the forefront of this evolution for nearly two decades. The organization provides crisis support via telephone, text, or chat through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, with the option of dispatching mobile crisis units for in person support. Additional services include a warm line for peer support, a hotline for domestic violence survivors through SAFEDVS, and 211 Arizona, which connects individuals to local resources. All services are free and confidential, available around the clock in English and Spanish and, through real time translation assistance, in more than one hundred other languages.
“Solari has always been rooted in the belief that mental health is central to overall well being, and for nearly two decades we have been honored to serve as a trusted partner in crisis care in our state,” Chase says. “What has changed in recent years is the environment around us. As public acceptance of mental health support has grown, our role has expanded dramatically.”
The numbers reflect that expansion. In 2024, Solari answered more than 500,000 crisis calls in Arizona, representing a 45 percent increase in volume since 988 became available.
“When in person services were disrupted, telehealth became a lifeline, and people who might never have considered therapy before suddenly had access to it from their own homes,” Chase says.
In joining Solari, Chase saw the chance to strengthen infrastructure that serves hundreds of thousands of Arizonans.
“Surveys show that more than 60% of adults feel comfortable discussing mental health publicly, and more than two thirds of Americans are aware of 988 services."
For those looking to prioritize their mental well being, Chase recommends starting small.
"Consistent steps matter. Building routines of self care that include rest, exercise, healthy eating and time with supportive people can make a big difference. Reaching out early, whether it is talking to a trusted friend, using a warm line or connecting with a counselor, helps keep challenges from escalating into a crisis.”
The broader cultural conversation continues to evolve.
“Public education, media coverage and individuals and families who share their stories have helped normalize mental health as part of overall health,” Chase says. “No matter how heavy life feels, there is always someone ready to listen, to care and to help light the way forward. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but of incredible strength.”
In a state experiencing sustained economic and population growth, investing in mental health services is not only compassionate. It is foundational. Strong individuals strengthen families. Strong families strengthen communities. And strong communities sustain Arizona’s future.
crisis.solari-inc.org