H.R. 10295: 9-8-8 Call Center Improvement Act

This bill would create a new federal grant program to help regional and local crisis call centers that handle 9-8-8 or similar lifeline calls. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would be allowed to give grants to both new and existing crisis call centers serving local or regional areas.

What the grants could be used for

Grant money could be used to:

• buy or upgrade call center technology;
• train call center staff;
• improve how the call centers operate; and
• hire more staff.

Funding

The bill would authorize $441 million for fiscal year 2027 to carry out the program. The money would remain available until it is used.

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill is meant to help crisis call centers improve their equipment, staffing, and day-to-day operations so they can better handle calls from people in mental health or other crises. It does not set the detailed rules for how the grants must be distributed, but it gives the federal health department the authority to fund these centers.

Relevant Companies

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