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.