Cardenas Leads Bill to Solidify Federal 988 Hotline Funding
Rep. Tony Cardenas, D-Calif., led filing Thursday of the 988 Implementation Act to solidify federal funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and provide money for local call centers and related resources. The measure would allocate $240 million to the…
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hotline for fiscal years 2023-2027 and $441 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to regional and local crisis centers for tech improvements and hiring additional staff. “When people start calling 988 this July, they must be connected to the proper assistance they need, with the urgency and support they deserve,” Cardenas said. “For this to truly be a life-saving alternative to 911, there must be someone to call, someone to come and somewhere to go.” It “will bolster the behavioral health crisis continuum of care nationwide and ensure that the lifesaving 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline is successfully implemented,” said co-sponsor Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa. Cardenas’ office cited support from more than 100 groups, including the American Psychiatric Association and National Association of Counties. A trio of Democratic senators raised concerns last year about CTIA lobbying states on capping 988 fees (see 2107150063).