Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group With Pro Bono Client The Trevor Project Celebrates Presidential Signing of the LGBTQ-Inclusive National Suicide Hotline Designation Act

WASHINGTON, DC ‒ Bracewell LLP’s Policy Resolution Group (PRG) provided pro bono representation to The Trevor Project in its efforts to establish and implement 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and to ensure that acutely at-risk groups, including LGBTQ youth, can access specialized services.

The Trevor Project engaged PRG in 2018 to help with outreach to the Federal Trade Commission, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration and Congress to replace the National Suicide Prevention Hotline’s 10-digit number with a three-digit code, as well as to provide specialized services to LGBTQ youth.

On October 17, 2020, President Trump signed the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which will make 9-8-8 the number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline starting in 2022. This was the first bill in US history that is specifically LGBTQ-inclusive to pass Congress unanimously.

Members of the PRG team advising The Trevor Project included:

Partner: E. Dee Martin

Principal: John Lee