[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 136 (Thursday, August 16, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5675-S5676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE IMPROVEMENT ACT

  Mr. HATCH. Madam President, on another matter, I would like to thank 
those who have worked with me on the important issue of mental health 
and suicide prevention. This week, President Trump signed into law my 
National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, a bill that stands to save 
thousands of lives.
  This legislation becoming law is the high point of an effort that 
began in December 2016, when I held a roundtable discussion at East 
High School in Salt Lake about the growing issue of teen suicide. A 
theme from that roundtable, and many other subsequent conversations, 
was the need for greater access to help--simply finding someone to talk 
to.
  Too many Americans who are struggling with mental illness or see 
their friends or family members suffering do not know where to turn for 
help. By making resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
system more accessible and user-friendly, we can truly save thousands 
of lives.
  I thank all of those who helped get this bill across the finish line, 
including Utah State Senator Daniel Thatcher and Representative Steve 
Eliason, and of course Congressman Chris Stewart, who introduced the 
bill in the House. Most important, though, were the voices of so many 
Utahns who have felt the tragic effects of the suicide epidemic. I am 
heartbroken by their loss, but hopeful this law and their continued 
advocacy will turn the tide in the campaign against this epidemic. This 
is important, and I hope we will all get behind this and do what is 
right.

[[Page S5676]]

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.

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