At a time when mental health needs across the country continue to grow, strong and sustained support for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) is more vital than ever. Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) is pleased to recognize a powerful display of bipartisan advocacy: Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) have sent a joint letter to House Appropriations Leadership urging robust funding for the 988 Lifeline.

Their letter underscores the urgent need to secure resources for two critical areas: supporting the increase in contact volume and strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure. In early April, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) introduced legislation aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures for the 988 Lifeline, following previous disruptions that left the service unavailable for an entire day. As the administrator of the 988 Lifeline, Vibrant understands how crucial these investments are to ensuring that all help seekers can access life-saving services swiftly and safely.

The support from Rep. Obernolte, a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, is particularly noteworthy. In a fiscal environment where Republican elected officials are selectively championing federal programs, this public endorsement signals a strong and meaningful commitment to mental health services. Rep. Dingell, a long-time advocate for behavioral health, continues to demonstrate steadfast leadership in advancing comprehensive mental healthcare systems for help seekers in need of support.

For Vibrant, this bipartisan backing of the 988 Lifeline is a significant indicator of progress. It represents a shared recognition of the 988 Lifeline’s impact and a growing consensus across party lines that timely, accessible, and secure mental health support must be a national priority.

We thank Representatives Obernolte and Dingell for their leadership and continued advocacy for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Their commitment to saving lives and strengthening our mental health infrastructure brings us one step closer to a future where emotional well-being is treated with the urgency and respect it deserves.