Pennsylvania House Bill HB564

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/12/25
• Refer: 6/4/25
• Report Pass: 6/24/25
• Refer: 7/9/25

Caption

Providing for mental health crisis response; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services.

Impact

The legislation mandates the Department of Human Services to implement a comprehensive campaign that not only informs the public about the 988 lifeline but also addresses critical areas of suicide prevention. By consulting with advocacy groups and mental health professionals, the bill aims to ensure that outreach efforts are inclusive and cater to the diverse needs of the population. The emphasis on educating the public about mental health resources signifies a significant shift towards prioritizing mental health crises in state legislation and operations.

Summary

House Bill 564 focuses on enhancing mental health crisis response in Pennsylvania by amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill establishes a framework for a public education campaign centered on the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. This effort aims to promote awareness of the mental health services available through this hotline and encourage its use over traditional emergency services such as 911. By doing so, the bill seeks to improve the overall mental health crisis response in the state, ensuring that individuals in crisis can access appropriate support more effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 564 appears to be largely positive, with a consensus among supporters about the necessity of improving mental health crisis interventions. Legislators and advocacy groups alike have recognized the importance of providing better alternatives to traditional emergency services for individuals experiencing mental health crises. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of funding and resources available for the proposed educational campaigns and the operational capacity of the 988 hotline itself.

Contention

One notable point of contention could involve the implementation logistics and sustained funding for the campaign and the 988 crisis line. While advocating for greater mental health resources is largely supported, the effectiveness of such initiatives will ultimately depend on ongoing financial and operational support. Furthermore, ensuring that the campaign effectively reaches all demographics within the state, particularly in rural areas, may pose additional challenges that could lead to discussions among stakeholders.