Howard County is taking action to help a local mental health crisis center deal with federal funding cuts. Grassroots Crisis Intervention announced the federal government is discontinuing its contract to be a national backup center for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said he is directing $260,000 in emergency funds to help the center deal with next steps. “Grassroots will continue to deliver local 988 services for residents of Howard County and Central Maryland,” Ball said. “There will not be an impact to our residents and community members who call 988.”