On Thursday, the FCC voted to formally make 988 the nationwide number for mental health, substance use, and suicide crisis, adopting rules that require all phone service carriers to start directing 988 calls to the existing Lifeline by July 16, 2022. While the FCC moving forward with 988 is essential,
FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, announced today that the agency is taking the next step to establish 988 as the nationwide 3-digit number for mental health, substance use, and suicide crisis, mirroring what 911 is for medical emergencies.
After a unanimous vote, the FCC begins the process to formally make 988 the nationwide number for mental health and suicide crisis. The word that comes to mind for many after hearing the decision is parity.
FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, takes a critical step in establishing 988 as the nationwide number for #mentalhealth and suicide emergencies, mirroring what the three-digit-number 911 is for medical crises.
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