9-8-8 The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act
In July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made the historic announcement that it had unanimously voted to prevent suicides by designating 9-8-8 as the universal three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.*
Now, we urgently need Congress to make history on 9-8-8 and make mental health crisis services more accessible to save lives.
The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act establishes 9-8-8 as the easy-to-access three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention and creates funding support through states and wireless phone carriers, similar to what we have for 9-1-1.
But this bipartisan, non-controversial legislation is stalled in Congress, putting lives at risk.
Almost 50,000 people die by suicide each year. But the need for more crisis resources is increasing. According to data from the Mental Health America (MHA) online screening program, over 41,000 people reported having frequent serious thoughts of suicide or self-harm in the month of August alone.
We need this bill so our communities can respond to the overwhelming demand for services.
Today, advocacy organizations around the nation are working together to call on Congress to complete the important work it has already started by turning the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act into law. Will you join thousands of advocates across the country in urging your legislators to support its passage?
9-8-8 can’t wait. Take action now to urge your Member of Congress to help pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act and save lives. Take action now by clicking on the link.