Bipartisan bill designates 9-8-8 as a suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) praised the House passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S. 2661), the bipartisan bill designates “9-8-8” as the universal telephone number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system. The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act already passed the Senate and is on the way to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in the process of setting up the three-digit hotline, by passing this legislation it will be put into law. McKinley was a lead cosponsor on the House companion bill H.R. 4194, that advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in July.
“Establishing this hotline is a simple step that will help save lives,” said McKinley “The reality is that when a veteran or anyone else is struggling with thoughts of suicide or having any mental health crisis, the last thing they are thinking about is looking up a number to call.”
“A three-digit easy-to-remember number can provide someone who is struggling quick access to the help they need,” added McKinley. “Crisis call centers save lives and at the end of the day that is what this three-digit code is all about.”
Background:
McKinley has advocated for a three-digit suicide prevention hotline for several years after hearing about the concept in roundtable meetings with veterans. Since then McKinley pushed the issue, working with other members, the FCC, and sponsored legislation.
Lead cosponsor of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 (H.R. 4194). The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorizes states to collect a fee limited to supporting local crisis call centers that are affiliated within the national network or enhancements of such services. This allows states to fund the suicide hotline services similar to that of existing emergency services.
Lead cosponsor on the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 (H.R. 2345) which passed Congress and was signed into law by President Trump last year. This bill required the FCC to examine the feasibility of designating a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system; and analyze the effectiveness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, including how well it addresses the needs of veterans.