Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday signed a bill that would require the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on college IDs. This legislation, "The Student Lifeline Act," aims to not only save lives, but help break the stigma surrounding mental health and getting help.

Carissa Uschold-Klepfer, the assistant director for outreach at UB Counseling Service, shared some statistics with Spectrum News 1.

Uschold-Klepfer says the American College Health Association assesses college students across the nation every three years. In their most recent study in 2022, they found that suicide rates had increased 51% over the last 10 years.

She adds that having the 988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline on students’ IDs will be beneficial in so many ways.

She says between finances, politics, transitioning into a new phase of life, and academics, it is a lot for students. This will give them an easy tool to know there is someone there.

"I think really just letting students know that they're not alone and support is available and really guiding and teaching them to reach out for that help and support is so important," Uschold-Klepfer said.

Uschold-Klepfer also says remember that self-care is not selfish. The 988 hotline is free. When you call or even text, you can be sent to a local resource as well.

"The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline means that help is always available, whether it’s for someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or who knows someone needing this assistance,” Hochul said in a statement. “As we recognize Suicide Prevention Month, we must ensure all New Yorkers are aware of this critical resource and are willing to use it whenever they or someone they know needs help.”