The Federal Communications Commission today adopted rules establishing 988 as the nationwide phone number to connect people experiencing mental health crises to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a network of 163 crisis centers that last year answered more than 2.2 million calls and 100,000 online chats. Under the new rules, telecommunications carriers and one-way Voice over Internet Protocol service providers must direct 988 calls to the existing hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), by July 16, 2022. The current lifeline and online chats will stay available during and after the transition.

Related News Articles

Headline
The Food and Drug Administration Sept. 29 released a proposed rule that would phase out over four years its general enforcement discretion approach for most…
Headline
The AHA Sept. 27 released a Suicide Prevention Guide in Action webpage, featuring successful strategies from hospitals and health systems that participated in…
Headline
Congress should urge the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights to immediately withdraw its new rule regarding so-called “online…
Headline
A new infographic spotlights how the AHA’s suicide prevention learning collaborative, a partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helped…
Headline
The director and nurse manager for pediatric emergency mental health services at UMass Memorial Health in Massachusetts share how the health system is helping…
Headline
The Senate Sept. 26 voted 77-19 to begin debate on a continuing resolution that would continue funding for government programs through Nov. 17. The Senate…