The U. S. House of Representatives passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act on Monday. It was introduced by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, and others, to designate 988 as a National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline. The Senate unanimously passed the Bill in May and now it will go to the President to be signed into Law.
Senator Moran says it provides an easy to remember number and easy to access service for people in need and he says he will work with the FCC to make sure 988 is implemented quicly and effectively.
This Legislation would statutorily designate 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which would include the Veterans Crisis Line for Veteran Specific Mental Health Support. Moran says the current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Lines is 10 digits long, which is a barrier to Americans in crisis seeking support. With so many people in need of Mental Health Care, it’s more important than ever to provide quick access to that care.
