The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is already making a significant impact in our communities, saving lives and offering support to those in need. However, there’s still important work to be done to ensure that everyone, no matter where they are, can receive timely and effective help during a crisis.

Congress is currently considering crucial legislation that could improve how 988 operates by enhancing the accuracy of crisis response. The Local 988 Response Act (H.R. 4974 / S. 3444) aims to route calls based on a caller’s general proximity to the nearest crisis center, rather than relying on the caller’s phone area code. This change would ensure that people are connected to the closest available support, regardless of where their phone is registered.

Here’s how the Local 988 Response Act can improve access and accuracy of 988 response services:

Proximity-Based Call Routing

• Calls would be routed to crisis centers based on the general location of the caller, rather than their phone’s area code. Importantly, the bill ensures that a caller’s exact address won’t be automatically shared with the crisis center, protecting privacy while still improving service accuracy.

Guaranteed Access

• The bill requires phone carriers to allow calls and texts to 988, even if a person’s phone plan is inactive or if the carrier is experiencing service interruptions. This ensures that anyone can reach help in an emergency, no matter their phone service situation.

Extended Support for Multi-Line Systems

• The legislation would extend Kari’s Law to 988. This means that multi-line systems in places like hotels or office buildings would allow for direct dialing of 988, eliminating the need to dial an additional number (such as 9) before connecting to the helpline.

These improvements would make 988 more effective, accessible, and reliable for people in crisis. But to make this a reality, we need your help.

Now is the time to urge your members of Congress to support and prioritize the Local 988 Response Act (H.R. 4974 / S. 3444). By advocating for this vital legislation, we can help improve the lifeline’s ability to respond quickly and accurately, ensuring that more lives are saved and more people receive the support they need.