New Suicide Hotline Number Like 911

In a nationwide effort to make it easier to get help if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is implementing a new three-digit number. According to WGRZ Channel 2, there is a new three-digit number being set up to easily reach the suicide prevention hotline. The hope is to eliminate the stigma associated with mental help and to make it faster and easier to seek help.

In a similar way that 911 works in cases of emergencies, the new three-digit 988 will go directly to the suicide prevention helpline. The vote this past Thursday will allow the next step which is a month-long comment period and process to set up the number.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is currently using the ten-digit number 800-273-TALK (8255). There are one hundred sixty-three crisis enters those calls are diverted to.

When the number is set up, the hope is that it will be easier for those in need to reach out and get help faster when needed.