FCC Weighs ‘988' Text Hotline for Suicide Prevention Help

March 31, 2021, 5:59 PM UTC

Individuals could reach suicide prevention counselors by texting the number 988 under a proposal unveiled Wednesday by acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

Under the plan, carriers would be required to route text messages to 988 to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, a network of more than 160 crisis call centers.

“We have a mental health crisis in this country, especially among young people, and we need to find accessible ways to reach them when they need help,” Rosenworcel said in a statement.

The agency is scheduled to vote at its April 22 meeting to seek public comment on the plan. ...

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