988: Strengthening the Nation’s Mental Health and Suicide Crisis Response
On July 15, 2022
What is 988? In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission established 988 as a nationwide, easy-to-remember dialing code for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The FCC’s rules require phone service providers to direct all 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline beginning on Saturday, July 16, 2022. 1,2,3 While 988 is not currently live across the country, it will be soon. Here is what you should know.
