FCC Designates 988 for National Suicide Prevention Hotline

July 24, 2020

News Type:  Weekly Spark, Weekly Spark Announcement

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules to establish 988 as the new national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. The rules require all phone service providers to direct 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022. During the transition to 988, individuals who need help should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) by calling 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) or by chatting online. Service members and veterans can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling the Lifeline and pressing 1, chatting online, or texting 838255.