A new bill will seek to ensure that the mental health crisis hotline will serve the most vulnerable first. Lawmakers want to gather certain funding on the new mental health crisis hotline which will be dialed as 988. This will be done in order to avoid unnecessary police calls and be given to mental health specialists. Along with this, it allows those dealing with mental health issues to be given the help they deserve during difficult times.
When callers dial 988 they will be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. People will be able to call or text this number across the United States beginning on July 16, 2022. This will put them in direct contact with mental health specialists who can give them the support needed.
There has been a lack of resources for those dealing with mental health issues. Jonathan Murillo, who was shot and killed by Los Angeles police this past February, has opened up many peoples eyes. He was in contact with mental health specialists however, they did not show up in time which lead to a tragic ending with police. Those in support of this bill believe if people are able to use this hotline it will reduce violent and deadly interactions between law enforcement and those dealing with mental illnesses.
In California, the department of health and services announced that it will spend twenty million dollars to help launch the 988 system. The system itself would need up to 80 cents a month on phone lines in the state. Due to this, the bill has faced some oppositions on whether or not it is worth it. People have argued that the fee should be capped at ten cents and fund only the cost of routing 988 calls. However, those in support say it will be worth it to save the many lives that have been lost.
This blog post is part of the CIMA law group blog. If you are located in Arizona and are seeking legal services, CIMA law group specializes in Immigration law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Government Relations.
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