Today, Vibrant Emotional Health partnered with Senator Samra Brouk and Daniel’s Law Coalition advocates to host a virtual webinar on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) as part of Daniel’s Law Week of Action. This week honors the life of Daniel Prude and advocates for reforming crisis response systems.

Daniel’s tragic death in 2020, during a mental health crisis, underscored the urgent need for systemic change. In his honor, Senator Brouk introduced Daniel’s Law (NY Senate Bill 2398), which would establish a statewide framework for responding to mental health and substance use crises. This legislation focuses on creating trauma-informed, community-led, and public health-based crisis interventions, ensuring that anyone in New York experiencing a mental health, alcohol use, or substance use crisis receives the compassionate support they need.

Today’s webinar emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the 988 Lifeline and its services, especially since public familiarity remains low. A NAMI-Ipsos poll conducted in the Summer of 2024 found that most Americans remain unfamiliar with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Only 23% of Americans know what the 988 Lifeline offers, despite 67% having heard of it. Educating our communities and increasing public awareness is essential to ensuring people know that help is available.

We are honored to have had Senator Brouk with us today. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing the 988 Lifeline in New York, and she remains a tireless advocate for raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health. Her unwavering commitment to expanding access to compassionate crisis services is helping to build a safer, more supportive future for all New Yorkers.

As we continue this work, Vibrant remains dedicated to expanding the impact of the 988 Lifeline alongside Senator Brouk and our partners. Together, we are building a system that provides the right response in times of crisis—one that offers help, hope, and healing.