Home Policy Areas Brain Injury FCC Designates ‘988’ As 3-Digit Number For National Suicide Prevention Hotline
FCC Designates ‘988’ As 3-Digit Number For National Suicide Prevention Hotline
The Federal Communications Commission has just adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The rules require all phone service providers to direct all 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022. During the transition to 988, Americans who need help should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or texting 838255.
