Los Angeles County Supervisors Endorse Cárdenas' 988 Implementation Act

Statement

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has endorsed Congressman Tony Cárdenas' 988 Implementation Act, introduced last month. This transformative, comprehensive legislation will provide federal funding and guidance for states to implement their crisis response infrastructure for 988, the new national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

"Many people experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress do not receive the timely support and care that they need," wrote the Supervisors. "Therefore, it is important to adequately prepare for the July 2022 launch of 9-8-8, as the new national, three-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to receive suicide prevention and mental health counselor services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Currently, Los Angeles County is enhancing and expanding its call center capacity and crisis response services to prepare for the upcoming launch of 988.

"The new 9-8-8 system will provide an effective, appropriate, and sustainable response to help thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. The full vision of a transformed crisis care system with 9-8-8 at its core will not be built overnight and we must all work together to make it happen. Therefore, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors supports H.R. 7116 and similar measures, to successfully implement the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline," continued the Supervisors.

For 988 to be truly effective, crisis services must operate in a linked fashion. There must be someone to call, someone to come and somewhere to go if needed. The 988 Implementation Act provides federal support, guidance and funding for states to enact 988 and crisis services. These measures will ensure that it's not just a number to call but a resource to connect to services on the ground, including trained first responders and crisis centers. The 988 Implementation Act:

Solidifies funding for the 988 national hotline and a national backup system to ensure a timely 24/7 response to callers anywhere in the country.

Provides funding for community-based crisis response, including local call centers, mobile crisis teams and crisis centers.

Supports crisis workforce development with increased funding for training and scholarship opportunities.

Increases access to care by requiring that all health insurance plans cover crisis services.

Allows all states to have the opportunity to establish certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs), which provide comprehensive mental health and substance use services, including 24/7 crisis services.

Implements a national suicide prevention awareness campaign in partnership with a wide array of stakeholders.

Provides technical assistance for states to implement crisis services and supports research for continuous quality improvement.

The legislation is supported by more than 100 organizations including mental health advocates, clinical and medical professionals, law enforcement, state and local government officials, civil rights advocates, veterans and more.

For the endorsing letter from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, click here.

For a fact sheet, section by section and additional information on the 988 Implementation Act, click here. Full bill text can be found here.

Source