Suicide is a serious public health issue and can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.

48,000 people died by suicide in 2021which equates to 1 suicide every 11 minutes.

Ultimately, 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021which equates to 1 suicide every 11 minutes.

Tammy baldwin

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In 2019, sheintroduced theNational Suicide Hotline Designation Act.

The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act

The bipartisan legislation passed Congress and became law in July 2020.

This act aimed to designate the three-digit number 988 as a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

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The goal was to ensure that the 988 would become as reliable and as well-known as 911.

The counselors can also give recommendations for crisis stabilization programs where people can go for in-person help.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Supporting Marginalized Communities

The 988 number also aims to include support for those in marginalized communities.

This will save lives, Senator Baldwin stated in a press release.

Her mother struggled with mental illness, chronic pain, andsubstance use.

As a result, Senator Baldwin was raised by her grandparents.

American Psychological Association.Implementing 9-8-8.

Tammy Baldwin.House of Representatives Passes Senator Baldwin’s Bipartisan Reform to Create Three-Digit Suicide Prevention Hotline.

The Trevor Project.The Trevor Project Celebrates New Appropriations for 988 Lifeline’s Specialized Crisis Services for LGBTQ Youth.

Washington State Department of Health.Nation’s first Native and Strong Lifeline Launches as Part of 988.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.988 Lifeline Performance Metrics.

Tammy Baldwin.Senator Baldwins 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline Launches Nationwide.

Tammy Baldwin.Baldwin Votes to Boost Mental Health Support and Take on the Fentanyl and OpioidEpidemic.

January 23, 2023.

Tammy Baldwin.Baldwin Votes to Boost Mental Health Support and Take on the Fentanyl and Opioid Epidemic.

January 23, 2023.