On Thursday, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan bill to designate 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.
This bill directs the FCC to designate 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line is 10-digits long, which is a barrier to Americans in a crisis seeking support. This line would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support.
Now, more than ever, Kansans and the entire country will benefit from greater access to critical suicide prevention and mental health services.
Now, more than ever, Kansans and the entire country will benefit from greater access to critical suicide prevention and mental health services.
Designating 9-8-8 as a nationwide suicide help and prevention number provides an easy-to-remember and easy-to-access service for people to dial when they need a helping hand.
As our nation faces a pandemic that limits our human interaction, Americans need this life-saving resource to help prevent suicide and provide a vital mental health service.
Given the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, there is not a more appropriate time to get this legislation across the finish line. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to quickly pass this meaningful legislation and send it to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
Given the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, there is not a more appropriate time to get this legislation across the finish line. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to quickly pass this meaningful legislation and send it to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
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