Peoria Standard

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) advocated and encouraged further discussion of suicide prevention in a tweet on Friday following the announcement from the FCC of a new suicide prevention hotline. 

Butler's post came after the Federal Communications Commission's decision to expand on its suicide prevention hotline that will go into effect in July 2022, which will now let people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts text the hotline rather than call, according to ABC News. 

"'FCC votes to include texting in upcoming suicide prevention lifeline, 988' This is a great move to save lives".  #talkaboutsuicide," Butler tweeted on Friday. He included a link to an article further explaining the hotline changes. 

While a full, 10-digit suicide hotline phone number already exists, the new shortcut may make communication easier for people during times of crisis.

"We know that not everyone may be able to make a phone call or be comfortable making a phone call. The ability to text 988 makes it easier for more people to easily access help during a mental health crisis," said Hannah Wesolowski, interim director of government relations, policy & advocacy for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), according to ABC News. 

In other actions, Butler recently sent well wishes to the Rochester Rockets and their coach Chad Kutscher on their 300th win, according to the Sangamon Sun. 

Butler has also been focused on establishing transparency for Illinois voters as cities and states across the country create new districts following new census results, according to the Sangamon Sun.