Morgan McKay is reporting for the State of Politics blog a bill that would create a three-digit suicide hotline number in New York has been introduced in both the state Senate and Assembly. Sen. David Carlucci, one of the bill's sponsors, believes the change to three digits, making it similar to 911, would help change the public's perception of suicide and treat it as an emergency. The suicide hotline number is currently 1-800-273-TALK, but the pending measure would change it to 988. "In New York state suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults," Carlucci said. "988 is easier to remember, allows individuals access to help more quickly, and eliminates stigma." Even though New York has one of the lowest suicide rates in the country, the number of suicides statewide has increased every year since 1999. The bill is supported by the Mental Health Association in New York State, the National Alliance on Mental Illness—New York State and other mental health organizations. Read the story at NYStateofPolitics [dot] com.