Suicide Prevention Bills Pass House
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed two suicide prevention bills Sept. 28.
“These bills are badly needed by a nation working to emerge from an unprecedented health and economic crisis. And it’s badly needed in Montana where, tragically, we have one of the highest rates of suicide in the country,” Congressman Greg Gianforte said. “I’m glad we’ve been able to work together on this measure and others to improve the network of services that make up the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and to educate Americans about suicide prevention.”
Gianforte’s bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act makes “9-8-8” the universal telephone number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system, which operates through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line. Gianforte introduced the bill in August 2019 with U.S. Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), Chris Stewart (R-Utah) and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.).
Gianforte’s bipartisan Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act sets up an educational campaign to raise awareness for 9-8-8, suicide prevention resources, and more effective discourse on how to prevent suicide. Gianforte introduced legislation with U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) in October 2019.
Montana has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, with suicide as the leading cause of death for Montanans ages 15 to 24. September is suicide prevention month. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800- 273-8255.
