Representatives Don Bacon and Jamie Raskin introduced bipartisan legislation on March 26 aimed at expanding support for Americans facing mental health crises. The proposed Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act would provide federal funding to community organizations offering help to people in crisis or recovery.
The initiative comes as more Americans struggle with their mental health, highlighting the need for accessible stabilization services. Supporters say the bill could improve access to care while reducing pressure on emergency rooms and law enforcement.
“People experiencing serious thoughts of suicide often find themselves without support and timely treatment,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “The STOP Suicide Act will provide an important tool that will help create needed programs to deliver outpatient or telehealth stabilization services. I’m pleased to join Rep. Raskin on this legislation that will help community health centers, rural health clinics, and others create and manage these programs.” Rep. Jamie Raskin added, “Tens of millions of Americans have either suffered a mental health crisis or know a close loved one who has. For too many, seeking help can feel frightening or out of reach. Our bipartisan bills will help mental health care providers do their jobs and expand access to care for the many Americans who need it.”
The STOP Suicide Act would establish a new grant program through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) focused on expanding outpatient and virtual stabilization care for individuals with serious thoughts of suicide. Laurel Stine, Executive Vice President at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), said, “In 2023, 49,316 people died by suicide and 12.8 million adults experienced serious thoughts of suicide in the United States… AFSP is proud to support the Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act… helping people access interventions in the least restrictive setting possible, while relieving pressure on emergency departments and law enforcement.” Stine thanked both representatives for their leadership.
According to official sources, Don Bacon has served in Congress representing Nebraska’s 2nd district since replacing Brad Ashford in 2017; he was born in Momence, Illinois in 1963 and currently lives in Papillion.
Bacon graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984 before earning another degree from University of Phoenix according to Nebraska Public Media.
This legislation is endorsed by several major organizations including AFSP, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and American Psychological Association.
