Sen. Hatch Urges 611 Be Used for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, wants 611 to be set up for the suicide prevention lifeline, The Hill is reporting.

Hatch and Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, joined together in making the request in a letter to Federal Communications Commission secretary Marlene Dortch on Monday.

“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.”

A copy of their letter was posted by ABC4 in Utah. The lawmakers noted that there were over 47,000 deaths by suicide in the U.S. last year.

“We strongly encourage the FCC to consider designating ‘611’ as the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline telephone number,” they said.

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