WLVT - TV - The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention estimates that, on average, suicide claims the life of one Pennsylvanian every four hours. But experts describe this as a preventable public health problem; one that has the government acting.
President Donald Trump recently signed bipartisan legislation, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, that will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access help. By 2022, 988 will be the only numbers an individual has to dial to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Jim Presto, co-chair of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, says since 988 is easier to remember, people will naturally dial it if they're in crisis.
Presto began advocating for the organization after he lost his 19-year-old son, Joshua, to suicide in 2014. He says he has taken on this work to keep his son's memory alive.
"They say time passes, time heals. Time doesn't heal this. Not this type of pain," said Presto.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by phone at 1-800-273-8255. You can also chat with the Lifeline online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/.