Griffith supports bill to improve suicide prevention hotline

The House Energy and Commerce Committee today advanced bills in a full committee markup, including H.R. 2345, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act.

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) supported this bill and issued the following statement:

“Those with thoughts about taking their own lives need to know that other people are ready to help. In order to connect people in turmoil with assistance, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act would require the Federal Government to evaluate whether a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline would be feasible. This bill would also require study of whether the current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is effective, especially for veterans.

“People who are contemplating suicide are frequently confused about where to turn for help. We should make it as easy as possible to get assistance from a trained worker. The concepts this bill promotes will help. Unfortunately, most Americans, including me, have had a friend or family member commit suicide. No one with suicidal thoughts should go without help.”