Griffith applauds House passage of bill to improve suicide prevention hotline

The House of Representatives on Monday passed H.R. 2345, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is a cosponsor of the measure. He issued the following statement:

“The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers professional help for those in crisis, but the lengthy phone number may impede its accessibility. A simple three-digit number, similar to 911 for emergency services, could make a crucial difference when people struggling with suicidal thoughts most need someone to call. This bill would require the Federal Government to evaluate the feasibility of creating such a number. It would further require a study of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s effectiveness, especially for veterans.

“Too many Americans have had family members or friends who took their own lives without knowing that people were ready to help. It is vital that we make assistance as accessible as possible, and this bill moves us in that direction.”

The Senate previously passed companion legislation to H.R. 2345.