NAMI EMAIL: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Since its launch in 2022, 988 has received more than 27 million calls, texts, and chats from people experiencing a mental health crisis, thoughts of suicide, or other emotional distress. 988 has already made a profound impact on our communities, but there’s more work to be done to ensure everyone can get the help they need in a crisis.

Thankfully, there is a bill in Congress that can help make the vision for 988 into a reality. Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that our communities have the resources necessary to fully implement 988. NAMI was honored to be invited to speak at the announcement event for this bill, and we need your help to keep the momentum going on Capitol Hill.

The 988 Implementation Act (H.R. 10280) will help us fully realize the potential of 988 by:

Funding local 988 call centers to ensure 24/7 access for anyone who needs help
Supporting expansion of mobile crisis teams to help communities provide an in-person mental health crisis response instead of relying on law enforcement to respond
Expanding awareness of 988 through awareness campaigns
Providing funding to build crisis centers, making sure people have a safe place to go in a crisis Funding services for underserved populations to make sure people receive equitable, quality care that is inclusive
Ensuring people have access to crisis care by requiring that all health insurance plans cover crisis services and supporting crisis workforce development