WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jon Tester (D-MT), John Boozman (R-AR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the Suicide Prevention by Eliminating Excessive Digits Act of 2019 (SPEED Act). The SPEED Act requires the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to designate a 3-digit dialing code for Veterans in crisis. This three digit number will designate a three digit dialing code, like 911, for the current Veterans Crisis Line number (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1), to create an easier, more accessible way for Veterans to receive help. In effect, this bill could simultaneously help create a three-digit dialing code for all Americans in crisis, not only Veterans, since the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is the same toll-free number (1-800-273-8255).
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that more than 20 Veterans and military members die by suicide every day across the United States and suicide rates are nearly two times higher for Veterans than for non-veteran adults. As a 24/7 operation, the Veterans Crisis Line, which was created in 2007, has answered over 3.5 million calls.
“Just like we all use 9-1-1, this bill designates a covered dialing code that exclusively veterans may use to reach a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system,” said Senator Cramer. These men and women offered to give us their all for our freedom. Transitioning back to civilian life can be difficult, stressful, and sometimes traumatic; and we need to do everything we can to offer them support and assist their transition into civilian life.”
A video of Senator Cramer's quote is available here.
The full release is available here.