Lawmakers tout SafeUT, 988 and new steps to improve mental-health access

Panelists highlighted multiple mental-health initiatives passed or advanced this session and urged public awareness of crisis resources.

Representative Steve Eliason, who said he has sponsored reforms to SafeUT, described the app’s two main uses: anonymous safety tips and 24/7 crisis intervention with licensed clinicians at the Hudson Mental Health Institute. "No AI, just live, caring people 24/7," he said, and noted the Legislature funded multilingual expansion for SafeUT.

Panelists also noted the federal 988 suicide-prevention number and legislative work to increase its public awareness. Representative Grant Miller described a bill to tighten insurance provider directories after a legislative audit found many listed providers were not accepting patients. "We called 500 providers for this one insurance company..." he said, describing work that persuaded an insurer to drop opposition.

On criminal-justice reform, lawmakers described legislation and new facilities to divert people with mental illness from jail into treatment. Miller cited the Huntsman Scribe Receiving Center as an alternative to incarceration and said recent cases show it can be a viable option for law enforcement.

Panelists urged the public—and students in the audience—to download SafeUT and use crisis resources if needed.