Beyer Joins Bipartisan Push to Build the Crisis Care System Behind 988

This press release from Representative Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA) was published on 2026-09-04 and titled "Beyer Joins Bipartisan Push to Build the Crisis Care System Behind 988".

Beyer Joins Bipartisan Push to Build the Crisis Care System Behind 988

Ahead of 988 Day, Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) joined Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) to reintroduce the 988 Implementation Act with Congressmembers Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Troy Carter (LA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), and Kim Schrier (WA-08). The comprehensive legislative package will provide states with federal resources to build the crisis response infrastructure behind the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Since its launch in 2022, the 988 Lifeline has received more than 26 million calls, texts, chats, and ASL videophone contacts from people seeking help across America. “When someone reaches out for help in a moment of crisis, we have a responsibility to make sure help is there,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “988 has become a lifesaving resource for millions of Americans, but answering the call cannot be where our responsibility ends. We built a national front door to crisis care with 988. Now we need to strengthen what comes next by expanding mobile crisis response, increasing access to immediate community-based care, and connecting people to the treatment and support they need.” “Everyday, millions of Americans face mental challenges and are unsure where to go for help,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Taskforce. “The 988 hotline streamlines resources for those in need, as part of a network of over 200 local crisis centers, yet only thirteen-percent of adults are aware of this critical resource. I am proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the 988 Implementation Act to build upon the critical progress we have made, and further ensure that our communities are properly equipped with crisis-response services.” “Since its launch, the 988 Lifeline has connected more than 26 million Americans with the support they need in moments of crisis,” said Congressman Beyer, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus . “That’s an extraordinary achievement, and we must build on that success to save more lives and ensure no one falls through the cracks. Our 988 Implementation Act would further strengthen our crisis response system by ensuring trained professionals are available around the clock, crisis teams are equipped to respond in communities, and those in need can access care and services without facing financial barriers.” “Americans deserve compassionate care when they are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “That is why I am joining Representatives Matsui and Fitzpatrick in introducing the 988 Implementation Act , bipartisan legislation to strengthen the 988 Crisis Lifeline. It includes the 988 Community Infrastructure Act , a bill I introduced to help communities build or expand the facilities they need, so people in crisis can get timely care in a more welcoming and appropriate setting—not an emergency room or with law enforcement. By investing in the critical 988 lifeline, we can improve access to trained mental health specialists and ensure that no one falls through the cracks when they need help most.” “Our nation is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis, and all too often people who are struggling don’t know where to turn to for help,” said Congressman Carter. “The 988 Crisis Line is a lifeline for so many people in our country. It connects them to care, to treatment, and to hope. I’m proud to support this important legislation that prioritizes the mental health and wellbeing of American citizens by investing in community-based crisis response, breaking down barriers to accessing mental healthcare treatment, and ensuring everyone knows where to turn to in moments of crisis.” “Calling 988 takes courage, and answering takes patience and care. Our job is to support both,” said Congresswoman Trahan, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force . “We all know someone who has struggled with mental health or substance use and wished there was more help within reach. This bill delivers it, with a faster response, a real place to turn, and trained professionals ready to pick up the phone.” “I’m extraordinarily proud of the success of the 988 lifeline since its implementation. The high volume of calls and messages to 988 shows that Americans are still in dire need of improved mental health resources,” said Congressman Moulton. “It is critical that we continue advocating for more funding and expanded 988 services. The suite of bills contained within the 988 Implementation Act will provide federal support for states to enact 988 and crisis services, improve 988 implementation at the local level, expand access to critical services, and broaden awareness of available resources.” “America’s mental health epidemic leaves millions of our neighbors without access to the care they desperately nee