Chapel Hill Review

U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) have introduced the Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023, a legislation designed to improve the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by strengthening connections to local support centers, protecting user privacy, and expanding access to vital mental health services. The bill is seen as a step forward in enhancing the 9-8-8 service amidst growing awareness of its role.

According to a press release from Tillis' office, the Senator commented on the legislation's objectives: "From the creation of the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to historic mental health investments included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have made substantial progress in recent years in expanding access to quality mental health care. This legislation furthers that goal by ensuring those experiencing a mental health crisis receive rapid and localized care when calling the Lifeline, and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to make lifesaving mental health care more accessible."

The same press release highlighted some issues with the current operation of the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. At present, calls are routed based on area codes rather than caller location, which can sometimes lead individuals to centers lacking comprehensive mental health support. The proposed bill includes several key provisions aimed at addressing these concerns: firstly, it requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to direct calls to the 9-8-8 Lifeline based on a caller's proximity to a call center without revealing their exact location. Additionally, carriers would be required to facilitate calls and texts to 9-8-8 even during inactive phone plans or carrier service disruptions. Lastly, multi-line systems such as those found in hotels or offices would need to support direct dialing of 9-8-8.

Robert Gebbia, Chief Executive Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), expressed his support for the legislation, stating: "The Local 9-8-8 Response Act improves access to life-saving supports and mental health resources by requiring calls and texts to the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be routed based on the caller’s proximity to the local call center rather than by area code. AFSP is grateful to Senator Padilla and Senator Tillis for their bipartisan leadership to enhance access to 9-8-8 by ensuring individuals in crisis receive timely support, while maintaining privacy."

In addition to their legislative efforts, Senators Tillis and Padilla co-founded the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, as reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The caucus serves as a collaborative forum advocating for mental health solutions, awareness, and stigma reduction. It aims to enhance prevention measures, expand workforce, improve crisis response services, and ensure access to evidence-based treatments for all Americans.