Gardner, Moran unveil bipartisan bill authorizing 3-digit suicide, mental health hotline

U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) on Oct. 22 introduced bipartisan legislation that would designate 988 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

Sen. Gardner sponsored the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, S. 2661, with original cosponsors Sens. Moran, Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) to help states strengthen local crisis call centers, which currently utilize the lengthy 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line.

“We must do more to destigmatize access to mental health resources and prevent suicides in our country,” Sen. Gardner said.

“The state of Kansas and the entire country stand to benefit from increased access to critical suicide prevention and mental health services that a dedicated nationwide hotline would offer,” added Sen. Moran.

In August, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommended use of a three-digit line and the number 9-8-8, which the commission said would improve access for mental health and suicide prevention access.

The bill aligns with those recommendations and would direct the FCC to designate 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which also would include the Veterans Crisis Line.

Additionally, S. 2661 would allow states to collect fees to ensure local call centers are able to support the expected increased call volumes.

“This legislation is more than smart policy that will help save lives, it’s a statement that our government recognizes the crisis and is working across party lines to address it,” said Sen. Gardner.

“I commend the work of my fellow Kansan [FCC] Chairman Ajit Pai and the entire FCC on this important issue,” Sen. Moran said, adding that he plans to continue “work in partnership with the commission and my Senate colleagues to make certain this is an effective tool for those who need it.”

The legislation is supported by numerous organizations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Legion, the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, the National Association for Rural Mental Health, and Postpartum Support International, among many others.