Senator pushes for national three‐digit suicide hotline

Abstract

Recently, Sen. Ron Wyden (D‐Oregon) wrote a letter to the Federal Communications Commission asking them to designate a three‐digit number that can be used nationwide to connect those in need with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, The American Genius reported Jan. 14. The letter is the most recent action on legislation passed over the summer called H.R. 2345 — the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018, wherein the government has pledged to make access to the lifesaving hotline more accessible by simplifying the process of connecting resources with those who need them. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R‐Utah) and Rep. Chris Stewart (R‐Utah) have proposed utilizing the number 611; its simple, easy‐to‐remember format would operate similar to how 911 is universally recognized as a line for emergency situations. “We believe 611 is a simple, easy‐to‐remember number and is the best option for the three‐digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,” they wrote in the letter. “This undertaking is of utmost national importance. This simple change can connect millions of Americans with life‐saving resources, including veterans that find themselves in crisis.” The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1‐800‐273‐8255, or 1‐800‐273‐TALK.