Sen. Hatch, Rep. Stewart recognized for suicide prevention efforts
Jun 15, 2018, 12:58 PM | Updated: 1:47 pm
AFSP American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 9th Advocacy Forum Washington Court Hotel, Washington DC Senators Joe Donnelly, Orrin Hatch, Ben Sasse, Lisa Murkowski, and Mike Rounds, plus Congressman Don Beyer
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health American recognized Senator Orrin Hatch and Representative Chris Stewart for their leadership in making suicide prevention and mental health a legislative priority at a dinner Tuesday, June 12 in Washington D.C.
Senator Hatch and Representative Stewart received the 2018 Allies in Action Federal Award, along with three other members of the United States Congress who were also honored.
“The unyielding support and tireless leadership for suicide prevention and mental health awareness from Rep. Napolitano, Rep. Beyer, Rep. DeGette, Sen. Hatch, and Rep. Stewart has proven these five members of Congress are true advocates,” said AFSP vice president of public policy John Madigan. “Their commitment to crafting and sponsoring legislation has brought the topic to a national stage, and has made them all allies in AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.”
Senator Hatch was recognized for being instrumental in the successful passage of S. 1015, The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act.
The law requires the Federal Communications Commission to coordinate with suicide prevention organizations in designating a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and 24/7 mental health crisis hotline system for those in peril.
Today Senator Hatch was honored to receive the 2018 Allies in Action Federal Award from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (@afspnational) and Mental Health America (@MentalHealthAm) for his efforts to prevent suicide and improve mental health. #utpol pic.twitter.com/cutjH5qcKd
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) June 12, 2018
Representative Chris Stewart was honored for sponsoring H.R. 2345, the National Suicide Improvement Act, which he earnestly pushed for passage in the House of Representatives.
The bill was also designed to improve the National Suicide Prevention Hotline with a short and easy-to-remember dialing code to provide relief to people in danger. This bill will also require the FCC to evaluate the effectiveness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in addressing the needs of veterans.
Grateful that @HouseCommerce is moving my legislation to improve the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. We need to create a hotline dialing code that is short and easy to remember. It’s imperative that this legislation is signed into law quickly. https://t.co/jhlrFKrYY2
— Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) June 13, 2018
More than 200 advocates from AFSP from all 50 states attended the meeting to meet with their members of Congress and offer further encouragement to invest in mental health and suicide prevention.
Additional awards were given to volunteers who have lost loved ones to suicide or who have personal experience with suicidal attempts.
