Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), one of the nation’s leading mental health organizations and administrator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline), is proud to endorse the 988 Implementation Act, introduced by Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), which would provide needed support for states and counties in building local crisis response infrastructure. The legislation is a critical step in advancing the scope and efficacy of the 988 Lifeline, enabling crisis counselors and mental health professionals to better help individuals experiencing mental health crises. Most importantly, the effort would provide crisis centers in the 988 Lifeline with the resources to respond to contacts and provide the specialized support needed.

“Vibrant Emotional Health, the administrator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is grateful to the members of Congress leading the 988 Implementation Act to support states and counties in building local crisis response infrastructure. This will provide crisis centers in the 988 Lifeline network with the resources to respond to contacts and provide the specialized support needed,” said Kimberly Williams, President and CEO at Vibrant Emotional Health. “The timing of this effort is crucial, as it coincides with the first anniversary of the transition of the 988 Lifeline.”

The 988 Implementation Act provides federal funding and guidance for states to implement and advance their crisis response infrastructure, specifically to purchase or upgrade technology, improve operations, and hire and train staff. The 988 Implementation Act was introduced by Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and co-sponsored by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA), Congresswoman Lisa Rochester (D-DE), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), and Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD)