Cárdenas Applauds Launch of 988, Calls for Funding Lifeline at All Levels of Government
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) applauded the July 16 launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In 2020, Congress designated 988 as the new, free, 24/7 dialing code to connect callers to the former National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As of this past Saturday, anyone anywhere will be able to reach out to 988 if they, or someone they know, is experiencing a mental health or substance-related crisis.
In 2021, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received 3.6 million calls, chats, and texts. With 988, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) expects that number to double within the first full year. According to SAMSHA, successful 988 implementation requires ongoing investment and engagement from states and territories. Of all 50 states, only five states have passed 988 bills that include sustainable funding via phone service fees.
“Now that 988 has launched across the country, we have a historic opportunity to change the way mental health crises are treated in America,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “If we want to meet this moment, we must act with urgency and make sure all states have the funding and resources to respond to a person in crisis. Congress has already sent over $500 million in federal funds for 988, but call centers are sounding the alarm that they need more. There is no doubt that more lives will be saved today because 988 has been launched. No rollout is perfect, but we must do the hard work and make sure no call goes unanswered and no one goes unhelped. As I’ve said time and again, crisis services must operate in a linked fashion: there must be someone to call, someone to come and somewhere to go. That’s why I’m fighting to pass my bipartisan 988 Implementation Act in its entirety, as well as pass provisions in the House appropriations package. I also urge every state legislature to enact legislation to fully implement and fund 988. By working together, we can make sure every person in America receives the right response and care they need.”
To meet the rising need, Congressman Cárdenas is urging Congress to increase funding for 988 by passing his bipartisan 988 Implementation Act. Already Congress has sent the following to the 988 Lifeline:
- $282M, one-time American Rescue Plan anomaly funding for 988 & crisis services. Of this, $105 million went to states and territories;
- $116.6 million for 988 & crisis services in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (omnibus) for FY 2022; and
- $150M, one time supplemental for FY 22 in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
For 988 to be truly effective, there must be someone to call, someone to come and somewhere to go if needed. The 988 Implementation Act provides federal support, guidance and funding for states to enact 988 and crisis services. These measures will ensure that it’s not just a number to call but a resource to connect to services on the ground, including trained first responders and crisis centers. The 988 Implementation Act:
- Solidifies funding for the 988 national hotline to ensure a timely 24/7 response to callers anywhere in the country.
- Provides funding for community-based crisis response, including local call centers, mobile crisis teams and crisis centers.
- Supports crisis workforce development with increased funding for training and scholarship opportunities.
- Increases access to care by requiring that all health insurance plans cover crisis services.
- Allows all states to have the opportunity to establish certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs), which provide comprehensive mental health and substance use services, including 24/7 crisis services.
- Implements a national suicide prevention awareness campaign in partnership with a wide array of stakeholders.
- Provides technical assistance for states to implement crisis services and supports research for continuous quality improvement.
The legislation is supported by more than 110 organizations including mental health advocates, mental health and medical professionals, law enforcement, state and local government officials, civil rights advocates, veterans and more.
###