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, and for other purposes.
Summary
House Resolution 680 recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem and supports the designation of September 8, 2025, as "988 Day," promoting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The resolution acknowledges the alarming statistics related to suicide, particularly among young people, and the critical role of mental health services. It highlights the success and increasing usage of the 988 Lifeline since its launch.
The resolution commends the 988 Lifeline for providing accessible and effective crisis support. It emphasizes the importance of continued public education and outreach to connect individuals with mental health resources.
Ultimately, the resolution aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health care, potentially saving lives and supporting communities.
Expected Effects
This resolution will likely increase awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and encourage greater utilization of its services. By designating September 8th as "988 Day," the resolution seeks to normalize conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Increased awareness and utilization of the 988 Lifeline could lead to more individuals receiving timely mental health support. This could result in a reduction in suicide rates and improved mental health outcomes across the nation.
However, the actual impact depends on the extent to which the resolution translates into concrete actions and resources at the federal, state, and local levels.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Potential reduction in suicide rates through improved access to mental health support.
- Enhanced mental health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
- Promotion of public education and outreach regarding mental health resources.
- Support for federal, state, and local efforts to expand access to mental health services.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution itself does not allocate any funding or resources, relying on existing programs.
- Increased demand for the 988 Lifeline may strain existing resources and infrastructure.
- The resolution's impact depends on the effectiveness of public education and outreach efforts.
- There is no guarantee that increased awareness will translate into reduced suicide rates.
- The resolution does not address underlying systemic issues contributing to mental health problems.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare of the United States, as stated in the Preamble. While the Constitution does not explicitly address mental health, the federal government's role in supporting public health initiatives can be inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to enact laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.
Furthermore, the resolution does not infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. It promotes access to mental health services without coercion or discrimination.
Therefore, the resolution is generally consistent with the spirit and intent of the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).