ANCOR Endorses 988 Implementation Act

On Thursday, March 17, the 988 Implementation Act was introduced by Representative Tony Cardenas (D-CA). The bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Jamie Raskin (D-MD). ANCOR is an endorsing organization of the 988 Implementation Act.

The 988 Implementation Act will provide federal funding and guidance for states to implement their crisis response infrastructure ahead of the launch of the new national 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline in July 2022. In addition to critical funding for the hotline and call centers, the legislation will support crisis workforce development with increased funding for training and scholarship opportunities, provide states the opportunity to establish certified community behavioral health clinics, implement a national suicide prevention awareness campaign, and provide technical assistance for states to implement crisis services.