On July 16, 2020, the FCC voted unanimously to save lives by establishing 9-8-8 as the simple three-digit number that will redirect people in crisis to connect with suicide and mental health crisis counselors. All phone service providers will be required to direct all 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.
During the transition, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) or connect through an online chat.
The hotline operates 24 hours a day, every day, and takes more than 2.2 million calls annually. The move to 9-8-8 makes access to telehealth counseling simpler and is expected to dramatically increase the likelihood that those struggling in their most vulnerable moments will seek help.
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