WASHINGTON, DC (WSAU) — A bipartisan bill written by Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin has been signed into law by President Trump.
The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which creates a three-digit shortcode for those in a mental health crisis, was signed into law on Monday. The bill designates 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention hotline.
“In America, we lose about 45,000 people every year to suicide, including more than 6,100 veterans, making it one of the leading causes of death in this country,” said Senator Baldwin in a press release. “We need to do everything we can to prevent suicide and that means improving the tools we have to help people who are suffering from depression or other mental health concerns. I’m very proud our bipartisan legislation has finally been signed into law, so we can make it as quick and easy as possible for Americans in crisis to get the help and support they need through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line. I urge the Federal Communications Commission to move expeditiously to implement this change and get 9-8-8 up and running.”
Others who helped Baldwin write the bill include Colorado’s Cory Gardner and Jerry Moran of Kansas, both Republicans. Democrat Jack Reed of Rhode Island also had a hand in the bill.
The measure passed the Senate in May. The House gave their stamp of approval in September.
Baldwin notes that 9-8-8 will be designated as the national number for suicide prevention. Those seeking help can still call 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to help locally.
