For Immediate Release
November 3, 2025
Sierra Wallace, Communications Director
(202)355-8431
Swallace@dccouncil.gov

Councilmember Henderson Introduces Legislation to Sustain DC’s Behavioral Health Crisis Services

Washington, DC – Today, Councilmember Henderson introduced the 988 Lifeline Support and Sustainability Establishment Act of 2025. The legislation bolsters residents’ access to behavioral health crisis services by establishing dedicated funding for the local 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through a modest telecommunications surcharge.  

“Dialing 988 has truly been a lifeline, connecting District residents with immediate and essential trauma informed care,” said Councilmember Henderson. “Establishing a dedicated and sustainable funding source allows for that care to be ongoing. On February 28, 2025, I introduced the Sense of the Council on Supporting Humane and Trauma-Informed Responses to Behavioral Health Crises Resolution of 2025, which urged the Mayor to prioritize trauma-informed approaches to behavioral health crises. This legislation builds on that ask.”

Specifically, the 988 Lifeline Support and Sustainability Establishment Act of 2025 would establish a modest monthly telecommunications fee on landline, wireless, prepaid, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The structure is similar to the District’s E911 fee with varying fees based on line type. All revenues would be deposited into the 988 Fund and used only for directly related purposes. The Mayor also would be required to submit an annual report to the Council detailing spending and recommendations for the longevity of the program.  

Based on an estimated 16.3 million telecommunications lines in the District, the proposed fee could generate approximately $12.5 million annually to support and sustain 988’s behavioral health crisis services. Our regional partners, Virginia and Maryland, already fund 988 through fees.

“The District’s behavioral health crisis response system relies on providing three interconnected needs: someone to talk to, someone to respond, and somewhere to go, and 988 fulfills that essential first step,” stated Councilmember Henderson.  

This bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Matthew Frumin, Brianne Nadeau, Janeese Lewis George, Brooke Pinto, Zachary Parker, and Robert C. White.

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