Carlucci proposes three-digit suicide prevention hotline

State Sen. David Carlucci, a Rockland County Democrat, introduced legislation Wednesday that would establish a three-digit state hotline to help individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. Under the proposal, those in need of assistance would dial 988 to connect with an operator. The bill piggybacks on an August recommendation from the Federal Communications Commission to cut the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number from 10 digits to three. Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in New York, according to the bill memo.