Suicide Hotline Plan Advances

U.S. Reps. Chris Stewart (R-UT) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) have introduced H.R. 4194, National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019.

The legislation directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 9-8-8 as a nationwide number for Americans to dial to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The number would also be run in conjunction with the Veterans Crisis Line.

The legislation has gained 52 co-sponsors in under a month since its introduction and has strong support on both sides of the aisle. In August 2018, Congress passed legislation that directed the FCC to issue a study to determine a dialing code for the hotline. Last month, the agency recommended that 9-8-8 be used, paving the way for the final part of this yearlong effort.

NBCC is very supportive of this legislation, and its Government & Legislative Affairs Department will continue to monitor the legislation and work with congressional staff to provide insight and assistance.