Dear Friends,

This month we remember those who have lost their lives to suicide and acknowledge those who have been impacted by suicide. 

 We are currently experiencing a mental health crisis in the United States. In 2020, public health officials determined that 21 percent of U.S. adults (52.9 million) suffered from a mental health condition. Suicide continues to be one of the most critical public health problems we face in our country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• More than 45,000 Americans died in 2020 by suicide – that is one death every 11 minutes;
• More than 12 million American adults said they seriously contemplated suicide;
• 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt; and
• 1.2 million Americans attempted suicide. 

If you or someone you know needs help, resources or someone to talk to, you can find it at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline website or:

• Dial 211 and press 1, if you live in Connecticut
• Call/text 988, if you live outside Connecticut

To chat off the phone, please visit:

• chat.988lifeline.org
• or https://www.preventsuicidect.org/

Just two years ago, I secured funding that created, and put into effect, the 988 lifeline. This initiative continues to save lives, and I am proud to have been a part of this important resource. I believe it is the responsibility of the federal government to provide adequate resources for crucial programs like those prioritizing suicide prevention. I have always been a strong supporter of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is a vital resource for those across the country who are struggling mentally and emotionally. Over 150 local centers are committed to providing free and confidential 24/7 support to those in need, including our nation’s veterans. 988 also provides special services for the LGBTQ+ community and those who speak Spanish.

Last year, the 211 Connecticut Crisis Team handled 168,657 crisis calls. In the first year of service, the team saw an 80% increase in calls to the National Suicide Prevention Line. Last year, 89% of Connecticut callers in crisis reported that their state of crisis diminished over the course of the call with the Crisis Team. 

The speed of calls answered is crucial – when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and is reaching out for help, they need to get help as soon as possible. I am grateful to know that last year the Crisis Team answered 97% of 988 calls within 5 seconds.

This public health problem directly impacts our children; suicide was the second-leading cause of death in 2020 for people aged 10-14. It is no secret that the physical, emotional, and psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic was widespread and greatly exacerbated existing mental health challenges. Prioritizing mental health must is critical to our recovery.  

Last Congress, as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, I…

• Directed significant resources to strengthen our behavioral health crisis response system and to prepare for the launch of 988.
• Provided more than $100 million to support the implementation of 988 this past year.
• Provided $5 million to create the Behavioral Health Crisis and 988 Coordinating Office at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to support technical assistance and coordination of the nation’s crisis care network, the implementation of the 988 Lifeline, and the development of a crisis care system with the objective of expanding crisis care services and follow-up care. 
• Created a new $10 million Mental Health Crisis Response Grants program to ensure that behavioral health teams respond to people experiencing a behavioral health crisis, rather than law enforcement. 
• Worked to ensure our veterans and service members have the quality medical care they deserve by fighting to include $121 billion for veterans’ medical care in the 2024 government funding law. 
• Secured $13.9 billion for veterans’ mental health care, including $559 million for suicide prevention outreach. This supports the nearly two million veterans across our country who receive mental health services through the Veterans Health Administration. 

In Connecticut, I was happy to secure over $2.3 million for 988 services in 2023 and over $2.2 million in 2024. These funds went directly to our state to help those in need to fully utilize this service and receive the help they deserve.

I also strongly believe that it is essential to address the mental well-being of our students. In 2020, mental health-related emergency department visits increased by as much as 24 percent for younger students aged 5-11 and 31 percent for older students aged 12. Stress and social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic put young children and adolescents at risk for symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

I am proud to support:

• H.R. 586, the STANDUP Act    

               - Would protect our students by improving current school safety and prevent                  school shootings or suicides. 

And, I am proud to sponsor:

• H.R. 7108, the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2024

               - Would support states and high-need local educational agencies                                   in increasing the number of mental health services providers in schools.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please know you are not alone. If you think someone might be considering suicide, be the one to help them by taking these Five (5) steps: Ask. Be There. Help Keep Them Safe. Help Them Connect. Follow Up. Learn more at: nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention.

Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is preventable. Please rest assured that I will continue to fight for crucial funding for programs like 988 and bills that will improve access to mental health programs. 

Sincerely,

Member of Congress