To help head off suicides, Burchett gives out cell #
With deep roots in Knox County as a Bearden High School graduate (Class of 1982) and former Knox County Mayor, U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-2nd District) has made national news in expressing his concern about last week’s Knox County Health Department report that revealed nine local residents had committee suicide within a 48-hour period.
Burchett, who tweeted a video with the following announcement Monday, March 30, has publicly given out his cellphone number offering to be a voice to help someone contemplating suicide or doing harm to someone.
“I know everybody is under a lot of pressure right now, with what’s going on with the Coronovirus … we have had nine in our community in the last little bit, taking their own life; that’s a horrible, horrible thing,” he said.
“If you feel you are going to hurt yourself, or someone around you, just call me and let’s just talk: 865-978-1822. If I can’t help you, I’ll get you over to somebody who can; if you just want to talk about what’s going on around you, I don’t need to know your name; you don’t have to live in my congressional district. I’d appreciate the call.”
If a constituent needs help with benefits, or for any other reason, “Please call my Knoxville office number (865-523-3772) so we can keep this line open for anyone who needs it,” Burchett said.
