I was a decorated Army captain in Vietnam. Having PTSD from war experiences, I understand what people in crisis are going through.
Not everyone has the support I did: Over 20 veterans tragically commit suicide every day. And it's not just veterans -- a friend of mine lost her teenage nephew to bullying, a heartbreaking story too many have experienced.
How many veterans, teens, and other lives could be saved if help was just a simple phone call away? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline staff does an amazing job, but when a person is in crisis and desperate, they are unlikely to remember or locate a long number like 1-800-273-8255.
The solution is simple: Create a three-digit number, similar to 911, that anyone can remember and access when it counts. That's why I started this Care2 petition: for the veterans I work with, and in memory of my friends' children. The FCC designates these short numbers, and Chairman Wheeler has always been receptive to public comments. If enough of us speak out together, we will be heard!
Tell the FCC today, before another life is lost: Give a simple, three-digit number to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline!
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I support the creation of a nationwide three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It is also important that the VA phone systems facilitate a quick, "press X now" connection to the Veteran’s Crisis Line when a suffering veteran calls the VA directly. 22 U.S. veterans commit suicide every day, and it is the third leading cause of death among young adults aged 15-24. You and your agencies have the power to prevent some of these deaths -- and the suffering they bring to survivors -- simply by making the support these men and women need more accessible during their crisis moments. In the darkest times, every minute counts, but when a person is in crisis and desperate, it is nearly impossible to remember or locate a long 800 number. A simple three-digit number that everyone can remember is an easy solution, one that thousands of Americans need available right now. The VA can help even more by removing the complicated step of saying on VA facility answer messages "Please hang up and dial 10 other digits now" and offering a direct connection. Please help save these lives and take action today!
Actualizar #2hace 9 años
Big news! We submitted a formal "petition for rulemaking" and now thanks to your signatures, the FCC is officially considering the request for a three-digit number for suicide hotlines! The first step in the long bureaucratic process is a comment period asking whether they should take up the petition. More important steps and comment periods will come later, but note that you can leave a comment here until May 9: http://bit.ly/1K67BD5
Thank you, and we'll keep you updated about future steps!
Actualizar #1hace 10 años
Thank you for signing the petition to simplify the suicide hotline. We've sent the first signatures to the FCC & VA, & received a very encouraging reply from the VA! I have also read every one of the signatures & the stories many of you included, which were very moving & motivating. I am hopeful that the FCC will read them too & act favorably. Can you help make that happen by sharing with your friends to get even more signatures?
I will keep you informed. Thanks again for your support! - Dan
