Call Centers on ‘Shoestring Budget’ for Suicide Prevention Line (1)

Resource-strapped call centers anticipate a burst of demand in July when the new 988 national suicide prevention hotline number goes live. But a lack of funds to help meet that demand is delaying efforts to publicize the service.

The Federal Communications Commission in 2020 officially designated 988 as the three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, similar to the main 911 emergency number.

Local call centers continue to face resource limitations such as a lack of staff and technology they say will make fielding an increased volume in calls difficult.

“This is the biggest thing that’s ever happened ...