H.R. 8367: Answering the Call Act of 2026

This bill, known as the "Answering the Call Act of 2026," aims to improve outreach efforts to first responders regarding the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, specifically the 9-8-8 hotline. Below is a summary of its key provisions:

Outreach to First Responders

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services conducts various outreach activities to facilitate first responders' use of the 9-8-8 national suicide hotline. These activities target barriers such as stigma, lack of tailored services, and privacy concerns that may hinder first responders from seeking help through the hotline.

Specific Activities Required

The Secretary is required to:

• Collaborate with first responder organizations to promote the 9-8-8 hotline as an essential mental health resource.
• Award grants and contracts to support public awareness campaigns that integrate hotline information into first responder training programs and wellness policies.
• Collect data on the usage of the 9-8-8 hotline by first responders to assess its impact and guide future outreach strategies.
• Develop training programs for hotline counselors that focus on trauma-informed and behavioral health best practices specific to first responders.

Privacy Protections

When collecting data on hotline use, the Secretary must ensure personal privacy is maintained according to federal and state laws. This data collection will emphasize identifying trends among first responders rather than gathering personally identifiable information.

Definitions

The bill defines key terms such as:

• First responder: Includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and public safety telecommunicators.
• First responder organization: Refers to recognized national, state, local, Tribal, and nonprofit organizations that support first responders, including labor organizations and behavioral health organizations.

Collaboration Pilot Program

The bill establishes a pilot program to foster collaboration between several entities:

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• The United States Fire Administration
• First responder organizations

The objective of this pilot program is to ensure the outreach activities are tailored to enhance first responders' awareness of the 9-8-8 hotline.

Report to Congress

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to submit a report to Congress on the pilot program's results within three years of the bill's enactment.

Relevant Companies

None found.