Representative Jamie Raskin introduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation designed to expand mental health crisis support across the United States. Both bills aim to provide federal funding to organizations already working to support people in crisis and in recovery.
STOP Suicide Act expands stabilization services
The Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act, led by Rep. Raskin and Rep. Don Bacon, expands access to evidence-based stabilization care for individuals with serious thoughts of suicide. The legislation will create a new grant program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand access to effective outpatient and virtual stabilization care and treatment. Stabilization services help patients reduce or eliminate imminent suicide risk and manage dangerous impulses while relieving pressure on law enforcement and emergency rooms. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, research shows that even brief evidence-based suicide interventions can help people manage suicidal thoughts and increase connection to follow-up care. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and American Psychological Association have endorsed this legislation.
9-8-8 Connect Act strengthens crisis response continuity
The 9-8-8 Connect Act, led by Rep. Raskin and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, connects individuals experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis with follow-up services and expands access to the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Follow-up services may include check-ins to assess well-being and level of risk, and outreach to engage at-risk individuals in services. Rep. Fitzpatrick emphasized that “a serious crisis response cannot end with the first point of contact. It must be strong enough to help carry people from a moment of danger toward stability, support, and care.” This legislation is endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Critical need for expanded support
In 2023, 49,316 people died by suicide and 12.8 million adults experienced serious thoughts of suicide in the United States. Rep. Raskin stated that “for too many, seeking help can feel frightening or out of reach” and that “our bipartisan bills will help mental health care providers do their jobs and expand access to care for the many Americans who need it.” Both bills focus on providing practical, targeted support to close gaps in the crisis response system.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases?id=D1485A86-9C73-49D1-A988-767FF4E5460B