Hatch suggests 611 for new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make “611” the new national suicide prevention lifeline.

Hatch, along with Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah), noted in a letter to FCC secretary Marlene Dortch that 611 is the only “undesignated, realistically available N11 number.”

{mosads}They also wrote in the letter that 611 should be used only for a suicide prevention lifeline, rather than for dual purposes.

“We firmly believe that making the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline more accessible and user-friendly is such a pressing, national purpose,” they wrote. “Although it may be possible to designate an N11 number for dual purposes, we would oppose any such designation for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. An individual in crisis needs to speak with a crisis counselor as soon as possible.”

They also wrote in the letter that the lifeline would connect millions of Americans “with life-saving resources.”

“In summary, we believe 611 is a simple, easy-to-remember number and is the best option for the three digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Line,” they wrote.

“This undertaking is of utmost national importance and has the ability to help connect millions of Americans, including veterans that find themselves in crisis, with life-saving resources,” they added.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is currently 1-800-273-TALK (8255).