The FCC stated Tuesday it will vote next month to designate 988 as the new three-digit U.S. nationwide number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
In a notice, the federal regulator overseeing U.S. internet and phone suppliers said it will vote on the proposal on July 16 to make the number modification official. FCC chairman Ajit Pai said the three-digit number, if passed, “will save lives.”
Once authorized, U.S. telephone company– including internet calling companies– will have 2 years to shift 988 calls to the National Suicide Avoidance Hotline.
Even after the shift, callers will still have the ability to reach the hotline through its routine contact number (1-800-273-8255).
Lawmakers and advocates have spent years promoting to reduce the hotline’s 10- digit telephone number to simply three digits to make it much easier for those in a psychological health crisis to reach assistance. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
In December, the FCC voted unanimously to push ahead with the plans to issue the three-digit number, calling it an “echo” of 911, the national number to reach emergency services, acknowledging the value of simple access to the hotline.
Sam Brinton, vice president of advocacy and federal government affairs for The Trevor Job, a not-for-profit devoted to suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youths, welcomed the news.
” Suicide stays the 2nd leading cause of death among young people, and LGBTQ youth are at increased risk,” stated Brinton.
If you or someone you know is fighting with anxiety or has had ideas of hurting themselves or taking their own life, get aid. The National Suicide Avoidance Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) supplies 24/ 7, totally free, personal support for individuals in distress, along with finest practices for experts and resources to aid in avoidance and crisis circumstances.
An earlier version of this report misspelled Brinton’s surname. This has given that been remedied.
TechCrunch.
