FCC Votes to Set up Three-Digit Suicide Hotline Number like 911

PBS NewsHour

Crisis services will soon be accessible via a three-digit number. Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to designate 988 as the national crisis hotline number. The 3-digit dialing code will replace the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s current 10-digit number. Regulators hope the change will make it easier for people to get help and reduce prejudice against people with mental health issues. “Three-digit access to crisis services represents a national recognition that seeking help for behavioral health and suicidal crisis is just as much a part of life as seeking help for fire, for injury, or for other health and wellness needs,” according to Dwight Holton, CEO of suicide prevention nonprofit Lines for Life.

Spark Extra! Read a statement from the Action Alliance.