Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, marked suicide prevention week by urging action to end the suicide crisis that has gripped Utah. He also spoke about legislation he has proposed that will help those contemplating suicide get faster access to life-saving resources with the use of a three-digit hotline.
 
In his remarks, Hatch cited a report released yesterday indicating that Utah has experienced more than 425 suicides since January—a record-setting number that far surpasses the national average and puts 2017 on track to be the most devastating year in the state’s history in terms of deaths by suicide.

The Video is Available Via YouTube 

 
The full statement is below:
 
Friends, this Suicide Prevention Week, let’s talk.
 
Let’s talk about what we can do to help those around us, and end this devastating trend.  
 
Let’s talk about the underlying causes of suicide, and get rid of the stigma that comes with seeking help. 
 
Utah has the 5th highest suicide rate in the U.S. 
 
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10-24.  
And just yesterday, Utah officials confirmed that with 425 suicides already in 2017, we are on a devastating and historic pace. 
 
This week, as we come together to recognize National Suicide Prevention Week, please join me in taking action to stop suicide by bringing awareness to the critically important issue of suicide prevention.  
 
For anyone in crisis, you can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by texting the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.       
        
In May, I introduced the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act (S. 1015) to improve the National Suicide Prevention Hotline with a simple 3-digit number, making it easier for people in crisis to access the resources they need the moment they need them most.
 
The time for change is now. Let's do all that we can to look out for those around us, to spread the word about these lifesaving resources, and to turn this trend around.