FCC Sets Up New Three-Digit Suicide Prevention Hotline

US federal regulators are setting up a new three-digit number for a suicide prevention hotline to make it easier to seek help and reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Once it's implemented, people will just need to dial 988, similar to calling 911 for emergencies or 311 for city services. Currently, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline uses a 10-digit number, 800-273-TALK (8255). Callers are routed to one of 163 crisis centres, where counselors answered 2.2 million calls last year. A law last year required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study assigning a three-digit number for suicide prevention. The FCC said in a report that there was overwhelming support for a three-digit number because it would be easier for distressed people to get help
.https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-fcc-three-suicide
 https://abcnews.go.com/US/fcc-proposes-digit-number-suicide-
 https://abcnews.go.com/US/fcc-proposes-digit-number-suicide-prevention