This resolution recognizes suicide as a serious public health crisis and expresses support for designating September 8, 2025, as "988 Day" to promote the vital 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Wesley Bell
Representative
MO-1
This resolution formally recognizes suicide as a serious public health crisis in the United States and expresses strong support for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It highlights the critical role of the 988 service in providing immediate, life-saving support to those in mental health distress. Furthermore, the resolution supports the designation of September 8th as "988 Day" to promote awareness of this essential resource.
Congress Backs 988 Lifeline, Formally Designating Suicide a Serious Public Health Crisis
This resolution is Congress making a formal, high-profile statement: Suicide is a major public health emergency in the United States. It’s not just a personal tragedy; it’s a national crisis demanding attention. The resolution backs this up with hard numbers, noting that suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 34 in 2023, and overall, it claimed over 49,000 lives that year.
The 988 Lifeline Gets a Congressional Nod
The core of this resolution is strong support for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Think of this as Congress officially giving a huge thumbs-up to the three-digit number that launched in 2022. They praise 988 for being a vital, accessible resource that connects people in crisis to a network of local centers 24/7. This isn't just about good intentions; the numbers show it works. Since launching, 988 has handled nearly 18 million contacts, and a study found that 98 percent of callers found the service helpful, with 88 percent reporting it stopped them from harming themselves.
Why This Matters for Everyday Access
For anyone juggling work, family, and the high stress of modern life, knowing this resource is backed by Congress is important. It signals that this service, which is accessible in over 150 languages and includes specialized lines for veterans and LGBTQI youth, is here to stay and deserves continued funding and awareness. For a busy parent or a shift worker struggling with their mental health, 988 is the safety net that doesn't require an appointment or insurance paperwork—just three digits. The resolution specifically encourages continued support for federal, state, and local mental health services, meaning the infrastructure that supports 988 is getting a push from above.
Mark Your Calendar for Awareness
Finally, the resolution formally supports recognizing September 8th every year as “988 Day.” This isn't just a feel-good gesture; it’s a practical step to boost awareness. The goal is to make sure that everyone—from office workers to trade workers, from high school students to retirees—knows that 988 is the number to call when things get dark. By giving this awareness day official backing, the resolution aims to cut through the noise and ensure that this vital, life-saving resource is as well-known as 911.