Vibrant’s Statement on the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Package
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Omnibus Appropriations Package, which includes two key provisions for suicide prevention. First, the FY23 Labor, HHS, Education bill includes over $500M in funding for suicide prevention activities. And second, the bill includes the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act, which reauthorizes and expands the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Program – the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The $501.6M in direct appropriations for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline includes $10M to increase Spanish language services, and $29.7M to support disproportionately impacted youth.
As the administrator of the 988 Lifeline since its inception as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in 2005, Vibrant Emotional Health has long advocated for sustainable funding to build capacity and to serve historically and persistently excluded or harmed communities at risk for suicide, which the omnibus package lays the groundwork for. Vibrant appreciates the House, Senate, and President Biden for providing this funding, which demonstrates their continued commitment to supporting the expansion of the 988 Lifeline network.
We look forward to working together with SAMHSA, HHS, Congress, states, local crisis centers, and sector wide partners to provide greater access to life-saving, affirming, and supportive care through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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