State Representative Jackie Haas unanimously passed legislation on Apr. 24 to increase public awareness of the statewide 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline.
The bill, known as House Bill 4982, will require pharmacies across Illinois to display signs with information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other related resources. The goal is to ensure that people who may be at risk are informed about available support services.
“Many Illinoisans who are the most in need of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are unaware that this service exists,” said Rep. Haas. “Displaying information about this service at pharmacies allows us to meet patients where they are at and, hopefully, provide an intervention for those facing crisis.”
Haas also said, “We are specifically targeting pharmacies for this effort because there are a number of medications that list suicidal ideation or increased depression as side effects. I am thankful for the unanimous, bipartisan support this bill received and look forward to continuing my work on this bill alongside my colleagues in the Senate.”
Haas was elected as a Republican representative in 2020 for Illinois’ 79th House District, succeeding Lindsay Parkhurst according to Ballotpedia.
The new measure highlights ongoing efforts by lawmakers to address mental health challenges by making help more accessible throughout communities.
