WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar of Michigan has introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate Sept. 8 as “988 Day,” a day to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The measure highlights the hotline’s role in saving lives and addressing America’s growing mental health crisis.
Thanedar, who represents Michigan’s 13th District, introduced the resolution with Rep. Wesley Bell, D-Mo., and Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y. In the Senate, Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and John Kennedy, R-La., introduced a companion resolution. Lawmakers say the measure will expand awareness of the 988 Lifeline, especially in communities that face higher risks of suicide and mental health struggles.
“The 988 Lifeline is more than a number,” Thanedar said. “It is a lifeline for people in pain. I know this firsthand. In 1996, I lost my first wife to mental health struggles. That loss left my family devastated. It is why I have made mental health a top priority in Congress.”
Thanedar added that the resolution calls for greater outreach so that people know help is always within reach.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched nationwide in July 2022. It provides free, confidential, 24/7 support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. Since its launch, millions have used the hotline to connect with trained counselors.
Rep. Bell, who is co-sponsoring the measure, said the resolution is about recognition and awareness. “988 has already saved lives, but too many people still don’t know it exists,” Bell said. “Setting aside a day to lift 988 means that in the darkest moments, people know they have somewhere to turn.”
Sen. Booker noted that suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people. He said stigma still keeps many from seeking care. “The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 free support across the United States for anyone struggling,” Booker said.
Kennedy echoed that view, describing 988 as “a lifesaver for Americans who need help” during what he called a “historic mental health crisis.”
Major organizations have endorsed the resolution, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Jed Foundation. Advocates say a dedicated awareness day will help save lives by connecting more people to mental health resources.
The lawmakers stressed that outreach is especially important in vulnerable communities, where access to care is often limited. Raising awareness of 988, they said, is a step toward addressing deep disparities in mental health support across the country.
The “988 Day” resolution is part of Thanedar’s broader commitment to mental health care. In 2024, he introduced a resolution pressing for equal treatment of mental and physical health in insurance coverage. That effort aligned with the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
Thanedar also sponsored the Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act, which would expand Medicaid coverage for patients in mental health institutions.
Beyond legislation, Thanedar has worked to break the stigma surrounding mental health. In 2024, he produced a short film recounting his first wife’s struggle with depression and suicide. He said the film was meant to spark public conversations and encourage others to seek help without fear or shame.
Supporters of the resolution believe “988 Day” will strengthen public understanding of the hotline and help reduce suicide rates nationwide. The designation, they said, is not only about awareness but also about hope.
“Every call to 988 represents someone reaching for help instead of giving up,” Thanedar said. “That is why we must do everything we can to make sure people know this resource exists.”
With bipartisan backing in both the House and Senate, the measure reflects a rare moment of unity around a public health issue that affects families in every community. Lawmakers and advocates hope the effort will save lives and push mental health further into the national conversation.
