Utah needs the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act more than most states. In 2017, the suicide rate in Utah was 22.7 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 14.0 per 100,000 that same year (according to Utah’s Complete Health Indicator Report). Those types of numbers are not acceptable in a state whose slogan is “Life Elevated.” Utah has a serious mental health problem that is not being addressed properly by our local leaders. Rep. Chris Stewart’s bill to create the 988 suicide hotline is more than necessary for Utahns' mental health, and it is sad that national legislation is beating our state government to address this problem.
Whether the cause is a dominant church that doesn’t accept the LGBTQ+ community, the opioid epidemic, or anything else, it is time for Utah to come together as a community and address the mental health epidemic in our state. I hope that the state Legislature will look at what Chris Stewart and others are doing in Washington and take it as a lesson that they have the responsibility to do more. Financial and religious interests set aside, it is critical that we care for those around us and set up the programs and laws necessary to ensure that people can receive help when they need it without having to fear the financial costs. Thank you to Chris Stewart for recognizing the importance of suicide prevention. Hopefully, Utah will be at or below the national average for suicide rates soon, which is where it should be.
David Voci, Taylorsville