Every second counts when trying to save a suicidal person’s life.

"Even here in WNY, one in five of our citizens have a mental health condition in some way shape or form, and we want to make it easier for them to come forward," said Jessica Pirro, chief executive officer of Crisis Services. 

For Western New York, that’s where Crisis Services comes in. It’s a 24-hour comprehensive crisis center. Pirro explained when someone calls the National Suicide Hotline, with a 716 or 585 area code, they get connected to Crisis Services in Buffalo.

"For the National Suicide Hotline Lifeline, which is all WNY counties that we cover, we average between 125 to 130 calls a week," Pirro said. 

Congressman Chris Collins is pushing for the National Suicide Hotline to get smaller. Instead of remembering to call 1-800-273-TALK, they would dial just dial 988.

In a statement, Collins said, “When experiencing an emergency, everyone knows to dial 911, but now those dealing with a mental health crisis will have an easy to remember number that will provide them with the help they need.”

Crisis Services supports the act. 

"It's really about the access being improved to make it easier to call for help," Pirror said. 

However, Pirro says more financial help is needed for local crisis centers.

"If those numbers increase, are the crisis centers across the country able to take on that increase and provide the same quality of care in the landscape that we are in right now?" Pirro posited. 

This bill had not yet been voted on by the house.

Pirro says if you are having a mental health emergency or are suicidal, call Crisis Services' 24-hour Hotline at 716-834-3131.