WASHINGTON, D.C. – An amendment by U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) to increase funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by $2.8 million passed the Senate this afternoon.  The funds for the increase to $10 million will be reallocated from a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration account.  The amendment was made to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States.  The Centers for Disease Control reported that nearly 45,000 people took their lives in 2016.  From 1999 to 2016, suicide rates rose by nearly 30% in Louisiana.

“The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides a confidential lifesaving resource to those who truly need help,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “There needs to be a light in the dark for those going through a tough time.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides that light.  That’s why increasing funding for this lifeline is so important.”

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