SRES 376119th CongressIn Committee

A resolution recognizing suicide as a serious public health problem, expressing support for the designation of September 8, 2025, as "988 Day" and the role of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Introduced: Sep 8, 2025

Healthcare

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This is a Senate resolution introduced by Senators Cory Booker and John Kennedy recognizing suicide as a serious public health issue and endorsing the designation of September 8, 2025, as “988 Day.” It also emphasizes the important role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (launched July 16, 2022) as a key part of the national mental health safety net. The resolution cites alarming CDC data on suicide outcomes and use of 988 services, and it urges continued public education, outreach, and expansion of access to mental health services and crisis intervention. As a non-binding expression of support, the bill seeks to raise awareness and bolster policymakers’ commitment to sustaining and enhancing crisis services nationwide.

Key Points

1Recognizes suicide as a serious and growing public health problem in the United States, citing CDC data on its impact, including age-specific stats and overall mortality.
2Designates September 8, 2025 as “988 Day” to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and its services.
3Commends the development and implementation of the 988 Lifeline, operated by SAMHSA, which connects individuals in crisis to a nationwide network of 24/7 crisis centers and offers services in 150+ languages via phone, chat, and TTY for the deaf and hard of hearing.
4Encourages continued public education and outreach about the 988 Lifeline, with emphasis on high-risk populations.
5Supports federal, state, and local efforts to expand access to mental health services and crisis intervention programs, and affirms the goals and ideals of 988 Day in recognizing the Lifeline’s role in saving lives and supporting mental health across U.S. communities.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Individuals in acute mental health crisis and those at risk of suicide, including youth and young adults, who may directly use or benefit from the 988 Lifeline and related crisis services.- Families and communities affected by suicide and mental health challenges.Secondary group/area affected- Crisis centers, mental health service providers, and the nationwide network connected through SAMHSA.- Federal, state, and local governments responsible for funding, regulating, and expanding mental health and crisis-intervention infrastructure.- Public health and education communities tasked with awareness campaigns and reducing stigma around mental health.Additional impacts- Potential influence on policy priorities and funding decisions related to mental health crisis services.- Encouragement of public awareness campaigns and ongoing evaluation of the Lifeline’s effectiveness and reach.

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