The “Opening Every Door: Marketing State No Wrong Door Systems to Expand Access” webinar highlighted practical approaches to increasing visibility, expanding reach, and connecting more people to the services and supports available in their communities. Jennifer Morgan (Program Manager, Aging & Disability, University of Utah),  Sarah Arnold (Public Relations Specialist, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services), and Amanda Distefano (Long Term Services Division Director, Maryland Department of Aging) participated in a panel discussion about strengthening awareness, expanding access, and ensuring that every door can be the right door for individuals seeking information, assistance, and support.  

View the webinar recording here: https://lewin.zoom.us/rec/share/H0AOdWehtpM1IaZlMM0qHy2-OVVoHNEa1jXh_hkNKwbOfjvUx79givnZI2i7IXEF.WB2e30oEFeHNkQZ3?startTime=1792004433000

Three questions remained unanswered during the webinar. The No Wrong Door Resource Center responded below, and we encourage webinar participants and panelists to add on to the responses in the comments!

• Question 1: How do you handle calls or inquiries that need immediate crisis support? How do you ensure that AI tool responses (if used by your agency) are limited or enabled when a person might disclose suicidality, for example?  No Wrong Door systems should have policies and procedures in place to handle crisis situations. Make sure all entities know about 988 and Adult Protective Services, for example. AI is quickly evolving. See the Inform USA AI Task Force Report and watch for updates to two No Wrong Door Resource Center products (Selecting an IT/MIS Vendor Checklist & Use of IT/MIS) with fresh insights on AI, coming soon!
• Question 2: What assessment tools do you use? Assessment is a critical part of person-centered counseling (in the No Wrong Door Key Elements it is referred to as a “personal interview”) because it helps identify a person’s values and preferences. Many states have assessment tools that screen for caregiver burden, institutional placement risk, or for needed help after a hospital stay. Search the TA Community for examples or schedule a 1:1 technical assistance call by emailing nowrongdoor@acl.hhs.gov.
• Question 3: What education or trainings do your staff take? For a brief guide on different person-centered counseling training options, please see No Wrong Door Person-Centered Counseling Training or email nowrongdoor@acl.hhs.gov to schedule a technical assistance call.