AFSP Applauds Passage of Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act and the Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act

WASHINGTON – December 15, 2022 – Last night, Congress passed two important bills to address suicide prevention and mental health, sending the bills to the President’s desk.

The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act, S.3846, reauthorizes and expands the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP), a federal grant program which improves public safety responses and outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders who come into contact with the justice system.

The Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act, S. 4003, supports training of law enforcement to safely respond to mental health, behavioral health, and suicidal crises.

Laurel Stine, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) releases the following statement:

"AFSP applauds the House and Senate for approving the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022 and the Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act of 2022. We thank the Congressional bipartisan champions of these bills—including Senator John Cornyn, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Bobby Scott, and Rep. Steve Chabot on the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act and Senator Cornyn, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Darrell Issa, and former Rep. Karen Bass on the Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act—for their leadership.

“For over a decade, the JMHCP has provided crucial support for the mental health of individuals who encounter the criminal justice system. Importantly, the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022 expands the JMHCP to allow funds to be used for suicide prevention services, 988 implementation, case management, and community mental health services. Passage of this bill is an important achievement for Project 2025—AFSP’s nationwide initiative to reduce suicide in the United States by 20% by 2025—by helping to prevent suicide among individuals who are incarcerated or who were previously incarcerated.

The Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act will help train public safety officers to respond to mental health, behavioral health, and suicidal crises, including training in de-escalation tactics and alternatives to use of force. Law enforcement are a key partner in suicide prevention efforts and are often the first to respond to a crisis. This legislation will help to support their work and promote positive outcomes in crisis situations.

We once again thank both houses of Congress for approving these important bills, and we commend the sponsors for their leadership and unwavering commitment to suicide prevention and mental health.”

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states including Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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