National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2017

Bill 115 s 1015, also known as the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2017, aims to improve the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by designating a new three-digit dialing code (988) for the hotline. This bill seeks to make it easier for individuals in crisis to access the necessary support and resources by creating a more recognizable and easily accessible hotline number.

Additionally, the bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study the feasibility of implementing the 988 dialing code and report back to Congress within a year. The FCC will also be responsible for ensuring that the new three-digit number is compatible with existing telecommunications networks and that it does not interfere with any other emergency services.

Furthermore, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2017 directs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and make recommendations for improving the hotline's services. Overall, this bill aims to enhance access to mental health resources and support for individuals in crisis by streamlining the process of reaching the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline through the implementation of a new three-digit dialing code.