We need to transform crisis response in America and we need to start now. Congress designated ‘988’ as a three-digit number for suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, available nationwide by July 2022. But people need more than a number when they are in crisis—they need the right response in the right place, every time. We need legislation to change the way we help people when they need it most.
We need everyone to join us in calling for A Better Response. Inseparable, Fountain House, and allied organizations are driving an advocacy and education campaign to pass best practices for crisis response.
We’re digging in to change how we define and respond to crises.
We envision a world where the need for crisis response is rare, the response is fair, and the help is lifesaving. We can change this and repair our system so that when someone asks for help, the right person answers the call; the right person shows up.
The demand for a better response continues to increase as mental health, substance use and suicidal crises accelerate. Without appropriate crisis services, the result is too often confrontation when what we need is help. Urgently and sometimes desperately.
This is a big problem, requiring a comprehensive solution.
Will you advocate for A Better Response?
“Texans have the lowest access to mental health professionals — but there is a path forward.”
Andy Keller and Bill Smith, The Dallas Morning News
“When will we have a better response to the mental health crisis?”
Anne Scott, Las Vegas Sun
“In New Mexico, a bold experiment aims to take police out of the equation for mental health calls.”
Griff Witte, Washington Post
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they text HOME to 741741.