Bill introduced in Idaho to make “611” national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline

In an effort to decrease Idaho’s suicide rate, the House Health and Welfare Committee on Tuesday introduced a bill urging Idaho’s congressional delegation to support designating a simpler number — 611— to the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

In a state where suicide rates are among the highest in the nation, bill sponsor Rep. Caroline Nilsson, said she believes it’s important to provide easy access to help in a time of crisis.

The Idaho Press reports, In 2016, Idaho had the eighth-highest suicide rate in the U.S. — a rate 50 percent higher than the national average.

Currently, the Federal Communications Commission is looking at designating 611 as the national suicide prevention hotline.

Tuesday’s committee action clears the way for a full hearing in the committee; after that, the panel could send the measure on to the full House for a vote.

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