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The 3-digit suicide hotline is finally on its way to becoming a reality (thanks to @AjitPaiFCC and team) and the story behind it is one of the most incredible “how a bill becomes a law” episodes you may ever hear.
And it all all started in Utah.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/16/politics/fcc-national-suicide-hotline/index.html #utpol
And it all all started in Utah.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/16/politics/fcc-national-suicide-hotline/index.html #utpol
In the past several years, the mountain west has seen horrible trends in suicude — particularly among teenagers. Utah had devastating story after devastating story of teenagers taking their own lives.
Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho have seen similar trends. https://www.ksl.com/article/44491707/special-problems-here-hatch-talks-utahs-dire-suicide-rate-lauds-state-hotline
Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho have seen similar trends. https://www.ksl.com/article/44491707/special-problems-here-hatch-talks-utahs-dire-suicide-rate-lauds-state-hotline
Senator Hatch convened a number of listening events where we could hear from parents, teachers, counselors, social workers, anyone with any ideas for how we could help.
One common thread was the suicide hotline. https://kutv.com/news/local/sen-hatch-holds-teen-suicide-prevention-roundtable
One common thread was the suicide hotline. https://kutv.com/news/local/sen-hatch-holds-teen-suicide-prevention-roundtable
So after visiting suicide hotline call centers, hearing from the incredibly devoted people there, Hatch took the first legislative step required to designate a 3-digit suicide hotline with a bill in the Senate.
It passed before he retired. https://medium.com/@SenOrrinHatch/a-first-step-in-helping-those-contemplating-suicide-311df591f609
It passed before he retired. https://medium.com/@SenOrrinHatch/a-first-step-in-helping-those-contemplating-suicide-311df591f609
The work wasn’t done— while Hatch’s bill started the administrative process, more work was needed legislatively.
@CoryGardner picked up the next step, with the bill to set the number at 9-8-8 and finalize the process, and got it through the Senate. https://www.rollcall.com/2020/05/14/suicide-prevention-hotline-bill-inches-closer-to-trumps-desk/
@CoryGardner picked up the next step, with the bill to set the number at 9-8-8 and finalize the process, and got it through the Senate. https://www.rollcall.com/2020/05/14/suicide-prevention-hotline-bill-inches-closer-to-trumps-desk/
“The tragic fact is: we lose a Coloradan to death by suicide on average every seven hours, and we must keep fighting to provide mental health support to Coloradans in need, particularly in this time of crisis” -Cory Gardner, suicide hotline champion https://www.coloradopolitics.com/news/senate-passes-gardner-bill-for-9-8-8-suicide-hotline-number/article_28f245a8-95ed-11ea-9d34-2f26da15057a.html
The FCC closed the deal, after working with Congress every step of the way, and in 2022 the suicide prevention lifeline — one of the most valuable lifesaving resources against suicide— will be 3 digits.
Won’t solve the problem, but it will help. https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-designates-988-national-suicide-prevention-lifeline
Won’t solve the problem, but it will help. https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-designates-988-national-suicide-prevention-lifeline
