The Legacy of Miles Hall
California Assembly Bill 988 (AB 988), known as the Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act, established California’s 988 system in 2022. The law was inspired in part by the advocacy of the friends and family of Miles Hall, a young man who experienced a mental health crisis and tragically lost his life at the age of 23 in 2019. His story helped drive California’s commitment to making mental health support more accessible by expanding access to behavioral health professionals who can help during a mental health or substance use crisis, reducing the need for law enforcement involvement. Today, the 988 system offers an easy, three-digit number anyone can call to quickly reach trained professionals who can provide support and help keep people safe during difficult moments. Crisis counselors provide free, confidential support 24/7 to people in suicidal, mental health, or substance use crises.
The Miles Hall Foundation
The Miles Hall Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to honor the life and legacy of Miles Hall. Its work aims to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health challenges by strengthening community-based crisis response services, promoting accountability and equity, and supporting families affected by gaps in the behavioral health system. To learn more please visit The Miles Hall Foundation website.
