LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As suicide rates continue to increase across the Commonwealth, a three-digit suicide prevention number will soon be set up.

What You Need To Know

  • New three digit phone number for suicide prevention

  • President Trump a law designating 988 as the new number

  • Suicide is a leading cause of death, especially among young people

  • New number will be in effect by 2022

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States, particularly in young people.

Nancy Brooks is the Executive Director for National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI in Louisville. The nonprofit offers programs and experts for those with mental illness and their families.

“We know that suicide is on the increase and we know mental health concerns are on the increase that it’s such a trying time for people,” explains Brooks.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump signed into law a bipartisan bill that will designate 9-8-8 as the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Mental health advocates praise the new measure as a breakthrough that will help people in crisis. 

“Anytime our government pays attention to it, it’s a good thing. It needs to be paid attention to. Budget lines have been cut over the last several decades in mental health,” adds Brooks.

Right now, people who are suffering from mental health concerns or depression have to call a 10 digit long crisis hotline number which could be a hurdle for those who are seeking help.

“When an emergency happens in the normal world and we dial 9-1-1 that has been a benefit for us because we know how that number is always there, we know it, and everyone knows it, hopefully, this number will do the same, explains Brooks.

In 2018, more than 2.2 million people called the National Suicide Prevention lifeline, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

“I hope that the team put in place to build this number thinks of all variable options and puts the best system together possible and then I hope it’s publicized in a way that people to start to use it.”

With the new hotline, Brooks says people can dial 9-8-8 and receive potentially lifesaving support. They would be connected to callers with trained counselors at local crisis centers.

“I think the easier the solution the better and if an individual falls in a crisis situation and they are looking for that number and they can utilize it quickly you could see a turnaround in lives being saved.”

The new 9-8-8 crisis number will be implemented by fall 2022.