Mental health resources may soon fit in the pockets of college students across America.
Rep. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, has reintroduced legislation to require colleges and universities to list various suicide hotlines and mental health resources on printed student IDs.
The bill — named the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act — would require the contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for the Crisis Text Line and for a campus mental health center to be listed on every college ID.
Both lifelines are national campaigns available 24/7 through phone, text and online with counselors prepared to help someone through a mental health crisis, including suicide prevention.
Nearly 24,000 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 attempt suicide each year in the United States, and some 1,100 die.
“We’re looking to save lives,” Correa said. “This is what the bill is about, saving lives.”
With easy access to student IDs — which are often kept close because they act as a key to buildings and residence halls — students have a reminder of who they can go to if they find themselves in a crisis.
“Hopefully some of those students, when they’re stressed out, look at the card, call the number, and get some counseling,” Correa said.
The bill does not cost anything for Congress and is a bipartisan effort in both chambers. It was introduced by both Democratic and Republican representatives in the past four congressional sessions. In 2020 and 2021, the bill passed in the Senate, but not in the House.
“I know some people may object because it is a mandate,” Correa said. “But my gosh, it’s worth it.”
In the current session of Congress, the bill was assigned to committees in both chambers, but no further action has been taken.
“There’s no way this can be done if we don’t come together on this,” Courtney Hunter, vice president of public policy and advocacy at the nonprofit Crisis Text Line said. “However it can get done, let’s get it done.”
While the bill has not had luck in Congress, legislators in several states have passed similar mandates. In 13 states — including California — middle and high schools are required to list the same contacts on their IDs.
“To have this on college IDs would be transformational,” Hunter said. “Education and awareness is half the battle.”
Around 50% of those using Crisis Text Line are under 18. Having the number readily available for college students could increase the number of people who reach out when they are amidst a mental health crisis.
“It would put it in the palm of their hands,” Hunter said.
Crisis Text Line — one of the required resources — is a 24/7 service in English and Spanish available through various messaging apps. After initiating the conversation, texters are connected with a crisis volunteer who can assess the situation and provide help and resources.
Crisis Text Line’s services are not limited to matters of self-harm or suicide. It is available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or simply needing someone to talk to, Hunter said.
The 988 lifeline is also available 24/7 for calling or chatting with a counselor.
“One size doesn’t fit all with these resources, and we want people to have options,” Hunter said.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death amongst college students. The bill is a practical solution for providing accessible resources for students, Correa said.
“I remember being in college, being in law school, and there’s so much pressure,” Correa said. “When you’re in the middle of it, it’s hard to figure out what’s right and what’s wrong.”
Both private and public universities are included in the proposed mandate. Universities that do not print student IDs would be required to list the required contact information on their website.
The 988 lifeline is available by dialing 988 on your phone or online at 988lifeline.org. Crisis Text Line is available online at crisistextline.org or by texting “HOME” or “HOLA” to 741741.