Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021

3/8/2023, 7:58 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2981

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 2981

Bill HR 2981 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 4, 2021. Bill HR 2981 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on May 4, 2021.  Bill HR 2981's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of May 13, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2981

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2981

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

Congressional oversightEmergency communications systemsForeign language and bilingual programsGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth care coverage and accessHealth care qualityHealth information and medical recordsHealth programs administration and fundingHealth promotion and preventive careHealth technology, devices, suppliesInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaMental healthPerformance measurementResearch administration and fundingTelephone and wireless communication
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