The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, sponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN), passed in the Senate.
This critical suicide prevention legislation requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study the national suicide prevention hotline system and to make recommendations to improve it—including the use of an easy-to-remember, 3-digit suicide hotline number to better connect those in peril to crucial crisis resources.
“Over the last year, I’ve met with dozens of families who have lost loved ones to suicide,” Senator Hatch said. “The parents I spoke with said that in their moments of crisis, they didn’t know where to turn for help. While there is no perfect solution to this devastating problem, this legislation is a step in the right direction. By providing those who suffer with faster, easier access to lifesaving resources, we can prevent countless tragedies. I urge my colleagues in the House to act quickly on this crucial legislation, and get it to the president’s desk to be signed into law.”
“I’m pleased our bipartisan legislation has passed the Senate, because it could make a difference for families in Indiana and across the country,” Senator Donnelly said. “This legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission to review the national suicide prevention hotline, including whether a particular three-digit dialing number should replace the current ten-digit number to make it easier for teenagers, veterans, or anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to seek help. I hope the House will quickly pass this legislation.”
Background:
- In May, Senator Hatch held a roundtable discussion with Utah parents, teachers, and community leaders about teenage suicide. [LINK]
- In May, Senator Hatch also addressed the epidemic of teen suicide on the Senate floor. [LINK]
- Senator Hatch recently visited crisis centers, such as the 24/7 CrisisLine call center in Utah. [LINK]
- In September, Senator Hatch spoke about suicide prevention in a video message. [LINK]
- Senator Hatch also discussed the issue of suicide during his Access Live event. [LINK]
- Last month, Senator Hatch met with Imagine Dragons Lead Vocalist to discuss teen suicide prevention. [LINK]
