SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a 3-digit suicide hotline for Americans experiencing mental health crises.

“Mental health crises are becoming more prevalent, specifically in young people, and we need national leadership on this issue,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Creating a dedicated emergency hotline for this will save lives.”

Over 1,000 people commit suicide each year in Illinois alone. LGBT, American Indian, and veteran communities are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.

Senate Joint Resolution 56 urges the FCC to designate 988 as a 3-digit hotline for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis. The resolution also commits the Illinois General Assembly’s efforts to providing access to life-saving resources for suicide prevention, intervention, and mental health crises.

Senate Joint Resolution 56 passed the Senate Public Health Committee and awaits consideration before the full Senate.