Moulton Statement on FCC vote to designate 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Salem, MA — Following the FCC’s unanimous vote today to designate 988 as the national number for mental health emergencies, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) made the following statement:

“When you are experiencing a mental health emergency, you shouldn't have to look up what number to call. That's why Representative Chris Stewart and I have spent the last year fighting to make 988 the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. This morning's unanimous vote by the FCC helps create the number, which is a good step. But, we also need to make sure that someone is on the other end of the line to answer the calls. That's why Congress must pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act which would help states fund the hotline and staff. The House must act and get the job done.”

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Background

With Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT), Rep. Moulton has championed this cause in the House. Most recently, Moulton secured the language of their bill, The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, into the House-passed Heroes Act. Here’s more on the bill and Moulton’s work.