Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021

3/8/2023, 7:58 PM
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill 117 HR 2981, also known as the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021, aims to improve the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for the Lifeline. This change would make it easier for individuals in crisis to access the Lifeline's services quickly and efficiently.

The bill also requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop and implement a strategy to improve the Lifeline's effectiveness, including increasing the capacity of the Lifeline to respond to calls and texts, as well as providing training for crisis counselors.

Additionally, the bill requires the FCC to conduct a study on the feasibility of implementing a three-digit dialing code for the Lifeline, as well as a study on the effectiveness of the Lifeline in providing support to individuals in crisis. Overall, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021 aims to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in order to better support individuals in crisis and prevent suicide.
Congress
117
Number
HR - 2981
Introduced on
2021-05-04
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Bill 117 HR 2981, also known as the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021, aims to improve the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for the Lifeline. This change would make it easier for individuals in crisis to access the Lifeline's services quickly and efficiently.

The bill also requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop and implement a strategy to improve the Lifeline's effectiveness, including increasing the capacity of the Lifeline to respond to calls and texts, as well as providing training for crisis counselors.

Additionally, the bill requires the FCC to conduct a study on the feasibility of implementing a three-digit dialing code for the Lifeline, as well as a study on the effectiveness of the Lifeline in providing support to individuals in crisis. Overall, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021 aims to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in order to better support individuals in crisis and prevent suicide.
Policy Areas
Health
Potential Impact
Congressional oversight•
Emergency communications systems•
Foreign language and bilingual programs•
Government information and archives•
Government studies and investigations•
Health care coverage and access•
Health care quality•
Health information and medical records•
Health programs administration and funding•
Health promotion and preventive care•
Health technology, devices, supplies•
Internet and video services•
Internet, web applications, social media•
Mental health•
Performance measurement•
Research administration and funding•
Telephone and wireless communication

Comments

Related

Committee:  Energy and Commerce
Member:  John Katko
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Committee:  Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Recent Activity

Latest Action5/13/2021
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.