This week, the Public Policy & Government Affairs (PPGA) Department of Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) issued an action alert, encouraging advocates to contact their Members of Congress to urge them to boost cybersecurity protections and limit cybersecurity vulnerabilities for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline). 

Advocates asked their members to request that Senate and House leadership and the members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee unite behind the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act - a key bipartisan effort to enhance cybersecurity protections for the 988 Lifeline and ensure access remains available for those who need it most, as part of the Final SUPPORT Act Package. 

Since the 988 Lifeline transitioned to a three-digit number in July 2022, it has answered over 10 million calls, texts, and chats, connecting people in crisis to life-saving resources nationwide through local 988 Lifeline crisis centers. The passage of the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act is crucial in ensuring the continued availability and security of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. By fortifying cybersecurity measures, this legislation helps uphold our commitment to providing essential mental health services to those in need, especially during times of vulnerability.

Led by sponsors Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), the House successfully passed the bi-partisan H.R.498, the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act, earlier this year. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee is voting on this bill as part of the bipartisan SUPPORT Act. 

Congress now has the opportunity to extend funding and enhance cybersecurity for the 988 Lifeline by immediately passing the March 2025 Continuing Resolution and is expected to vote on final passage later this week.