Local 9–8–8 Response Act of 2023

Bill 118 s 3444, also known as the Local 9–8–8 Response Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a nationwide 9-8-8 mental health crisis hotline, similar to the existing 9-1-1 emergency hotline for physical emergencies. The bill aims to provide individuals in crisis with immediate access to mental health support and resources.

The Local 9–8–8 Response Act of 2023 outlines the requirements for the implementation of the 9-8-8 hotline, including the designation of a lead federal agency to oversee the hotline, the establishment of a grant program to support state and local crisis call centers, and the development of a national strategy for mental health crisis response.

Additionally, the bill addresses the need for culturally competent and multilingual services, as well as the integration of the 9-8-8 hotline with existing crisis response systems. The bill also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as mental health providers and community organizations. Overall, the Local 9–8–8 Response Act of 2023 aims to improve access to mental health services and support for individuals in crisis, and to streamline the response to mental health emergencies at the national level.