[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10500-H10501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SUICIDE HELP LINE

  (Mr. ROTHFUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the holidays, I want to take 
a moment to talk about a difficult subject: suicide.
  Suicide is epidemic in our Nation. According to the American 
Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is currently the tenth 
leading cause of death in the United States, ending 48,000 lives in 
2017.
  For those who are suffering, you need to know you are not alone and 
there are many who care about you. There is hope for healing. Every 
person was created for a purpose, though it may be difficult at times 
for a person to find that purpose.

[[Page H10501]]

  One of the most basic, and often most effective, ways to help prevent 
suicide is to ensure that our loved ones, friends, colleagues, and 
anyone else in our lives feels connected and has a sense of belonging. 
There is great virtue in reaching out to the marginalized and 
neglected, especially young people who may be lonely or bullied.
  For those who are despondent and having suicidal thoughts, services 
like the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is vital. The hotline is a 
free support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-
273-8255, 1-800-273-TALK.
  As we enter this season of hope, let those who are hopeless encounter 
the encouragement that everyone needs.

                          ____________________