U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on July 14 introduced a bipartisan bill that would authorize a new $30 million grant program to connect individuals receiving suicide prevention and crisis intervention services with follow-up services.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that we provide necessary support and an expansion of resources for the millions of Americans who struggle with mental health,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force.
The CONtinuity in Necessary Evaluative Crisis Treatment (CONNECT) Act, H.R. 8391, which Rep. Fitzpatrick cosponsored with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-MD), would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, to award grants to eligible crisis centers to provide such follow-up services, according to the congressional record bill summary.
Follow-up services include check-ins, outreach to ensure engagement in services, and collaboration with support systems, all of which have been proven to save lives, according to information provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office.
“I am proud to support the CONNECT Act, which will help sustain crisis centers tasked with implementing the new, lifesaving 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline, which [went] live on July 16.”
Rep. Trone, who co-chairs the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force with Rep. Fitzpatrick, noted that follow-up and intervention services are data-driven, evidence-based approaches to quickly help people in crisis.
“There’s no quick-fix for these issues, but the CONNECT Act is a critical measure to ensure that those who use the new 988 crisis line can access vital services and receive long-term support,” he said.
H.R. 8391 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.