Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced the launch
of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK. The national
hotline is part of the National Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI)--a
collaborative effort led by SAMHSA that incorporates the best practices
and research findings in suicide prevention and intervention with the goal
of reducing the incidence of suicide nationwide.  In addition to the
national hotline, a new website is being launched
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org


In the United States, suicide currently is the 11th leading cause of death
among all age groups, accounting for approximately 30,000 deaths annually.
More than 100 crisis centers in 39 states currently participate in the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  SAMHSA is committed to working with
state and local organizations, such as the Mental Health Association of
New York City, the National Association of State Mental Health Program
Directors, and community crisis centers, to expand the availability of
suicide prevention and intervention services.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is funded by a 3-year $6.6
million grant from SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services, which has
been awarded to the Mental Health Association of New York City and its
partners--the National Association of State Mental Health Program
Directors, Columbia University and Rutgers University.  The National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a network of local crisis centers located
in communities across the country that are committed to suicide
prevention. Callers to the hotline will receive suicide prevention
counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in
the network.  A nation-wide public education campaign to raise awareness
about suicide and the national hotline is under development.