Posted September 1, 2026
Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced bipartisan legislation on Sept. 1, to increase awareness for the 988 helpline with a public awareness campaign for those experiencing mental health crisis. The Public Transit Mental Health Awareness Act which Pettersen introduced with Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), specifically increases awareness by placing information about this lifesaving, existing resource in front of millions of Coloradans in places they travel every day: public transit vehicles, stations, and facilities.
The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) found that over a two-year period, the state’s overall rate of youth suicide decreased by 11% following the 2022 launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline. This legislation would help save even more lives.
“Colorado has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the nation, and suicide has become the leading cause of death for our kids. The 988 crisis help line has proven to be a significant driver to reducing those rates across the country, and providing a lifeline to millions of Americans. It’s imperative that we take action to support behavioral health services and increase awareness with a tool that already exists,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “I lost my brother, Justin, to suicide over 15 years ago – there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him and wish he was still here with us. It’s because of him and the millions of Americans who are facing a crisis like him, and the families who are left to honor their memories that I led the introduction of a bill that increases awareness of this vital resource, especially in places used frequently by millions of Americans, no matter where they live. It’s critical that we meet people where they are, and this makes it possible for us to provide connections for people and families who need it most.”
“Every life is precious, and we have a responsibility to ensure that anyone facing a crisis knows they are not alone and that help is available. The 988 on Public Transit Act is a commonsense, low-cost way to make sure New Yorkers and Americans across the country know that support is just three digits away, free, confidential, and available 24/7. With a small investment, we can make a real difference and connect people with the resources they need when they need them most,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).
“Everyone should know that help is available when they are experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support, and making information about 988 visible on public transportation can help ensure that more people know where to turn when they need support. NAMI is proud to support this legislation and thanks Rep. Pettersen for her efforts to increase awareness of 988 and connect people with lifesaving crisis services.”
Bill text can be found here.
This bill has been endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Psychiatric Association, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The original cosponsors of this legislation include Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Deborah Ross (D-NC).
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