While so many governments around the world take a top-down approach to governing, one of the great innovations of our American system is the ability to influence national policy from the bottom up. With a robust representative republic, residents in a small state can have an impact on national public policy.
This week we saw an example of what that looks for Utah. With the signing into law of the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, an innovation that started as a local solution has now become an important part of our national mental health policy. This is an example of bottom-up policymaking that perfectly demonstrates the efficacy of America’s distinctive republic.
The need for a simplified, easily accessible suicide hotline became an issue in 2012, when Utah state Rep. Steve Eliason learned of several suicide deaths among his son’s middle school classmates. With parents begging for a solution, Eliason began to research policy options. Eliason and state Sen. Daniel Thatcher together sponsored legislation calling for a national three-digit suicide hotline (among other solutions).
With that grassroots foundation, I worked with Sen. Orrin Hatch in 2017 to craft federal legislation to take the first step in fulfilling this important request. As a result of this legislation, the Federal Communications Commission determined that not only would a three-digit number be feasible, but also that 9-8-8 would be the most suitable number. Last year, I began working across the aisle with my Democratic colleague, Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, on drafting legislation to designate 9-8-8 as the three-digit number to call the National Suicide Hotline network.
Now, the culmination of that years-long process to solve a problem that plagues Utah, and many other states, has become law. With the president’s signature and broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, this bill now provides a funding mechanism and puts in place a timeline to ensure the national suicide hotline will provide a consistent resource across all 50 states.
This solution could not have come at a more crucial time. In the ninth month of a national pandemic that has brought staggering economic losses, social isolation, disincentives to seek treatment and strained relationships, the need for mental health support has never been greater.
In Utah, suicide remains the seventh leading cause of death, taking more lives in 2018 than COVID-19 has taken in 2020. Utah has the sixth-highest suicide rate in the nation, with neighboring states of Idaho, Wyoming and New Mexico also ranking in the top five. Youth suicides in Utah have increased 49.5% since 2000. These are our family members, friends and neighbors. These eye-opening statistics remind us that we must step up and be a source of love and compassion to those struggling.
In an era of deep polarization and legislative gridlock, it’s easy to forget the importance of a system of government responsive to local needs. This week, we are reminded what a hallmark our uniquely American form of government has been and what can be accomplished when you put politics aside.
That a state with a relatively small population, a state that is not a swing state, and one with a relatively small federal delegation can still bring to the table innovative solutions and have them adopted at the national level is a testament to the strength of American democracy.
U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart
Rep. Chris Stewart, a Republican, represents Utah’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House.