Help Is Always Available: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline​

Illinois Senate Bill 2771, known as Tammurra’s Act, has passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly and was sent to Governor JB Pritzker for his signature on June 29.

The legislation is named in memory of Tammurra, the daughter of Cortez and Tammy Bush-Hamilton, who died by suicide in 2014. Her mother has since become a dedicated suicide-prevention advocate, working to ensure that people know where to turn when they need help.

If signed into law, Tammurra’s Act will require public libraries, hospitals, colleges and other public facilities to prominently display information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It also expands suicide-prevention education and access to mental-health resources.  Information about accessing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been posted at the Geneseo Public Library.

Anyone experiencing emotional distress, a mental-health or substance-use crisis, or thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 at any time. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free and confidential.

Sometimes, simply knowing where to turn can save a life.