The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is headed for an overhaul, with passage of a House bill Monday. The bipartisan proposal would move towards creating a new national three-digit dialing code — similar to 911 — to be used for a mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline.

The House passed the bill by an overwhelming, 379-1, margin. Michigan Republican Justin Amash cast the lone nay vote against the bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah. 

The proposal would prompt the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of designating a new three-digit dialing code, in coordination with the Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services Departments. A National Suicide Prevention Lifeline currently exists, but supporters of the bill say that the long 1-800 number is difficult to remember in times of crisis.

“We all know by heart to dial 9-1-1 during an emergency. We have fate and confidence that somebody who can help will be on the line. It shouldn’t be any different for someone in a mental health crisis,” said Leonard Lance, R-N.J. in support of the bill. 

The Senate passed a companion bill in November 2017, sponsored by Utah Republican Orrin G. Hatch.

“There are literally lives on the line here and leaving them on hold is not an option,” said Hatch in June, calling on the House to move quickly on their version of the bill.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In Stewart and Hatch’s home state of Utah, young people are particularly vulnerable, and suicide is the leading cause of death among teens.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The program was last authorized at $7.2 million a year through fiscal year 2021.

“This legislation will build upon the success of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to increase access to life-saving service while evaluating new and innovative ways to improve the current system,” said bill cosponsor Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas. 

For those in need, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-TALK and the Crisis Text Line is available by texting HOME to 741741.