MATSUI APPLAUDS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S WORK TO LOCALIZE 988 CALLS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration's announcementthat wireless carriers will start to route callers to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by their approximate location, rather than their area code.

"Imagine the immense courage it takes to pick up the phone and dial 9-8-8 only to find you're speaking with someone across the country," said Congresswoman Matsui. "9-8-8 must be a reliable lifeline backed by a reliable crisis system. That's why I'm thrilled that the Biden Administration took this significant step to ensure individuals in mental health crisis are linked with local support."

Specifically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that geo-routing implementation began last week with two major U.S. wireless carriers that combined make up about half of all wireless calls to 988. Additionally, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that next month, the FCC will vote on final rules to require geo-routing from all U.S. carriers in specified timeframes.

Congresswoman Matsui is a longtime champion of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and improving access to community mental health resources. She co-led the Local 988 Response Act of 2023, which would have required the FCC to promulgate regulations requiring carriers to geo-route 988 callers.

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