The Federal Communications Commission is expected on Thursday to designate 988 as the new nationwide number to reach a suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.
Why it matters: The change should make it easier for Americans to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which connects to a network of local crisis centers. Surveys and experts suggest a rise in people undergoing mental health crises since the start of the pandemic.
Yes, but: The 988 code will not be active immediately after the FCC votes on establishing it at a Thursday morning meeting.
- Phone companies must implement the change by July 16, 2022, according to a draft of the agency's order.
- In the meantime, the Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).
Meanwhile, the House Energy & Commerce Committee on Wednesday voted to advance to the full chamber the “National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019,” codifying the 988 dialing code and allowing states to impose a fee on voice service subscribers’ bills to help fund suicide prevention services.
