The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be available for people in suicidal crisis under a new easier-to-remember phone number in two years.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be available by dialing ‘988’ in 2022
The FCC voted to approve the number on Thursday
The FCC voted to approve the number on Thursday
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help.
In the US:
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 from anywhere in the US, at any time, about any type of crisis.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). The original phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is available as well.
The Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386 at any time to speak to a trained counselor.
Outside the US:
The International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.
Befrienders Worldwide has a network of crisis helplines active in 48 countries. Click here to find them.
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to finalize 988 as the number Americans can call to be directed to the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline. As of right now, individuals in suicidal crisis can reach that hotline by dialing 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), but that number will be easier to remember once it transitions to its three-digit equivalent starting on July 16th, 2022.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement on Thursday, “Establishing the easy-to-remember 988 as the ‘911’ for suicide prevention and mental health services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need.”
As of right now, the national suicide hotline does not provide texting services. Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel took issue with the commission’s decision not to include the ability to text the hotline in its rulemaking.
“Voice service has its benefits, but it is not native for most young people.”
“Voice service has its benefits, but it is not native for most young people,” Rosenworcel said in a statement on Thursday. “So I regret today’s decision is anchored in older technologies and takes a pass on developing texting capabilities with this three-digit hotline. We should have done so here.”
Last August, the FCC released a report suggesting that a three-digit hotline number would make it easier for those struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek out help.
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