Campus Lifeline Act

The Campus Lifeline Act aims to bolster mental health and substance use disorder services for students in higher education by amending the Public Health Service Act. It modifies existing grant programs to specifically include and support student organizations in promoting peer mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and substance use disorder education. Key provisions require grant recipients to develop plans for student-led outreach activities , seek input from experienced student groups, and ensure accessibility of services for students enrolled in online, hybrid, or remote education programs, including those in rural or medically underserved communities. This includes leveraging virtual engagement and telehealth resources to reach a broader student population. Furthermore, the bill enhances the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program by mandating coordination with states and higher education institutions to list the hotline number on newly issued school identification cards. It also encourages institutions to conduct public service announcements and digital awareness campaigns promoting the lifeline and other behavioral health resources for all students, including remote learners. The Secretary is also directed to consult with other relevant departments, such as the Department of Education, to improve awareness strategies for the lifeline.