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Lawmakers Push To Create a Three-Digit Suicide Hotline Number (techcrunch.com)
In a letter addressed to the FCC, Senator Ron Wyden urged commissioners to create a three-digit, 911-style suicide hotline number. The Oregon senator cites the CDC's report that more than 40,000 Americans died by suicide in 2017. From a report: "I write on behalf of those struggling with mental health issues, our veterans struggling with PTSD and for those impacted by the tragedy of suicide," Wyden writes. "I urge you to designate a 3-digit code as a Behavioral Health and Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Thank you for your consideration."
While The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launched an 800 line in 2004, many believe the number is too long and cumbersome for those reaching out in their time of need. The letter floats the idea of using 611. The call echoes a similar push last week by Senator Orrin Hatch and Representative Chris Stewart to designate the number, which is currently used to report phone service problems by some U.S. and Canadian carriers.
While The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launched an 800 line in 2004, many believe the number is too long and cumbersome for those reaching out in their time of need. The letter floats the idea of using 611. The call echoes a similar push last week by Senator Orrin Hatch and Representative Chris Stewart to designate the number, which is currently used to report phone service problems by some U.S. and Canadian carriers.
Will it help people to kill themselves as cleanly and painfully as possible? Or is one of those, "People shouldn't have the right to end their life, so let's pretend like we care so they may live another day"? Let's be honest, most people don't want to have to deal with people who are suicidal.
It's not fun. It's not about, "People don't love me". It is about the idea that people who don't have a purpose may want to end their life. It's little wonder vets have that problem when they spend a considerable amount of time being told their purpose. And the elderly often do get to a point where they don't have particular reason to live and would rather give as much of their wealth to their loved ones instead of just burning through it and hoping they die naturally first with possibly lots of suffering along the way.
So, is the goal to help? Or make you feel better about yourself?
An actual social safety net?
Lawmakers: Nope!
Medical care that doesn't require the uninsured to go further into debt or bankruptcy if they get sick?
Lawmakers: Ha ha ha ha ha no.
Help with that depressing student debt?
Lawmakers: Nope!
Better living standards for the next generation?
Lawmakers: Nope!
Renewable green energy that's already less expensive than fossil fuels and which might save the planet for future generations?
Lawmakers: We really like our coal...
Some help for the homeless?
Lawmakers: Uh-uh.
Prozac in the water supply?
Lawmakers: Uh... we'll get back to you on that... But in the mean time, how about a nice 3 digit suicide prevention number?
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?
911 will already transfer callers to suicide intervention, plus they can handle all of the related emergencies that require additional immediate support: for instance "I've just eaten a bunch of random pills" Every mental health professional in the US already has "If this is an emergency hang up and dial 911" on their voicemail.
The only thing I know about this area is from donating money to https://www.crisisconnections.... and attending their charity dinner and listening to their expert speakers, plus my housemate is one of their volunteers who answers their phonelines once a week. Crisis Connections handles about 350 crisis hotline calls per day, which if I remember right is about 90% of all calls made in Washington State. They are reachable on the number 2-1-1.
I got the impression that most calls are NOT emergencies. And that callers are put off by 911 because it's been drummed into them to only call 911 in case of emergencies. The people are calling 211 for support -- moments of crisis, domestic violence, uncertainty or loneliness. Where do I get food and shelter? My utilities have been turned off and I don't know what to do? I can't make rent and I'm being kicked out and I don't know whom to turn to? I'm lonely and don't have anyone and am worried I'll slide back into drugs? Not all of them (I believe only few of them) are right at the point of a suicide emergency intervention. Imagine if you call 911 and they ask you if you want police, fire service or ambulance, and you tell them you just need someone to talk to because you've run out of money and can't make rent and despair of what to do for your kids over Christmas. I don't think that would go down well with an impatient 911 operator who needs to quickly handle urgent emergencies.
The other thing that struck me is how Crisis Connections believes it urgently needs to invest more in texting -- a modern generation has grown up where a phone call is too big an obstacle (so imagine how they'd feel with 911!). Crisis Connections wants to meet them where they're at, i.e. over text messages.