The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted Thursday to end 988 as the new number for Americans to call to reach the National Suicide Prevention Line.
The policy approved by the commissioners will require all telephone service providers to direct calls to 988 to the line by July 16, 2022.
Meanwhile, Americans seeking help should continue to call 1-800-273-TALK.
Establishing easy-to-remember 988 as ‘911’ for suicide prevention and mental health services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and lessen the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health problems “the FCC said in a sentence.
The suicide rate in the U.S. has increased for decades, ranking as the 10th leading cause of death in the United States since 2018.
According to public data, more than 48,000 Americans died by suicide in 2018.
President Trump
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The agency’s commissioners approved number 988 in December, initiating the regulatory process.
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