A bill that would create a three digit suicide hotline number was introduced in both the Senate and Assembly.

By changing the number to three digits, similar to 911, it could change how people view thoughts of suicide and treat it as an emergency, said Sen. David Carlucci, one of the sponsors of the measure.

Right now the national suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-TALK, but lawmakers hope to change it to 988.

"In New York state suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults," Carlucci said. "988 is easier to remember, allows individuals access to help more quickly, and eliminates stigma."

New York has one of the lowest suicide rates in the country, but the number of people who do commit suicide has still increased every year since 1999.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 80 percent of callers to the suicide hotline number reported that follow up calls kept them from hurting themselves.

The bill is supported by the Mental Health Association in New York State, the National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York State and other mental health organizations.