We need your help to get 9-8-8 over the finish line
6040 actions taken
3960 needed to reach next goal
This easy-to-access,
nationwide 3-digit emergency number (9-8-8) will help people in a mental health
crisis.* And it’s close to becoming a reality.
The Federal
Communications Commission unanimously voted in July to designate 9-8-8 as the
universal three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline* by July 2022. Now, we need Congress to act to make mental health
services available when someone calls for help.
While
the House and Senate have both passed similar (but not identical) bills to make
resources for 9-8-8 available, the House must pass S. 2661, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, to get
this over the finish line. This bill will help ensure that when a person is in
a mental health crisis, their community has the resources to connect them to
mental health support instead of the back of a police car.
The need is urgent. More
than half of people in the U.S. report that COVID-19 has had a negative impact
on their mental health, increasing demand for mental health helplines and
hotlines across the country.
9-8-8 can’t wait.
Congress needs to act. Ask your Representative to urge House leadership to pass S. 2661, the National
Suicide Hotline Designation Act.
*Please note that
“9-8-8” is not currently available, but help is available now if you or
somebody you know is in mental health crisis. Text “NAMI” to 741741 or call the
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This bill will make the Suicide
Prevention Lifeline phone number an easy-to-remember 3 digits.
Want to have more impact? Personalize the message to your Representative with your story about accessing crisis support.