Dear friend,

September has been National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to educate the public on the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness, share resources and stories of resilience, and spread hope as we break the silence and stigma. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the ongoing mental health crisis in our country, and according to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death of young people ages 10-14 and 25-34.

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), transitioning to using the 988-dialing code is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for America to strengthen and expand the existing Lifeline.

Reps. John Katko (R-NY), Don Beyer (D-VA), and I have introduced H.R. 2981, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act, which would both increase funding for the lifeline and ensure the delivery of high-quality services for all callers. H.R. 2981 passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2021, and we hope it comes to the Senate floor soon. Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and I have also introduced with several bipartisan colleagues H.R. 7232, the 988 & Parity Assistance Act, which would also increase federal funding and provide guidance for states to implement their crisis services infrastructure. Lastly, the House’s FY23 Appropriations Bill would provide $747 million for 988 and behavioral health crisis services, an increase of $640 million from last year's funding, which we desperately need.

If you or your loved ones need help, here are the resources are that are available:

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources. If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org. Further resources from the Lifeline on risk factors and warning signs can be found here. SAMHSA materials and messaging designed for state and local government partners, as well as nonprofit organizations can be found here.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders at: 1-800-622-HELP (4357).

The Los Angeles County's Department of Mental Health is available to provide mental health support, resources, and referrals on their 24/7 Access Line at: 1-800-854-7771.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources on taking care of your mental health, which can be found here.

I encourage all to get involved, educate yourselves, share resources, and if you see someone in distress help them out. Together we can continue to build a movement and eventually live in a world where there is NO STIGMA.