WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill Thursday sponsored by Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran to designate 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.
“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,” Moran said. “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.”
The line would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. Additionally, the legislation will authorize the ability of states to collect fees to ensure local call centers are able to support increased volume.
Co-sponsors on the bill include Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D- Wis.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).
