New code to facilitate assistance as suicide numbers continue to climb.
President Trump’s administration is seeking to help those in crisis through a new three-digit hotline number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Ajit Pai calls the surge in suicide deaths during the coronavirus “stunning” and “epidemic.”
The proposed change is expected to pass when it is voted on by the full FCC at its open meeting on July 16. The special code, 988, will connect quickly to the national lifeline, currently operating under the 10 digit number 800-273-8255, which connects people in crisis to counseling, mental health referrals, and emergency services. Telecommunications carriers and voice over IP service providers will be given up to two years to implement the change once it has passed.
“988 will save lives. Helping Americans in crisis connect to counselors trained in suicide prevention is one of the most important things we can do at the FCC,” Chairman Pai said. “We believe that 988 – which has an echo of the 911 number we all know as an emergency number – will help people access mental health services.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the Federal Communications Commission and Chairman Pai as they seek to prevent suicide.
- For the counselors, mental health workers, and emergency services personnel who respond to calls for help.
- For all who are feeling hopeless and depressed during the pandemic.
Sources: CNN, FreeBeacon
