LEGISLATION ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES IS HEADED TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

A NEW NATIONWIDE SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NUMBER...9-8-8 WILL BE OPERATIONAL NEXT SUMMER. A BILL PASSED BY LAWMAKERS REQUIRES COMMUNITIES TO COORDINATE THE NEW NUMBER WITH THEIR 9-1-1 SYSTEMS, SO THAT CALLS ARE DIRECTED APPROPRIATELY AND PEOPLE GET THE HELP THEY NEED. REPRESENTATIVE KELLY CASSIDY OF CHICAGO SAYS IT WAS PROMPTED IN PART BY THE DEATH OF A 15 YEAR OLD CALUMET CITY TEEN.

HIS FAMILY HAD CALLED 9-1-1 AND POLICE SHOT WATTS AFTER THEY SAY HE THREATENED THEM WITH A KNIFE. CASSIDY SAYS THE CHANGE WILL MAKE SURE A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY WILL GET A MENTAL HEALTH RESPONSE.

THE MEASURE STILL NEEDS TO BE SIGNED INTO LAW BY THE GOVERNOR.