In December, the FCC unanimously approved the three-digit number for the hotline and began the rulemaking process. To get help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

If not, they'll be connected to the nearest crisis center. The system is backed by $430 million in federal funding. In April, Pennsylvania received a $3 million federal grant to help launch 988.

Even after 988 is active, callers will still be able to reach the hotline through the original 10-digit number. FCC chairman Ajit Pai and advocates believe the three-digit number will save more ...

Currently, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline uses a 10-digit number, 800-273-TALK (8255). Callers are routed to one of 163 crisis centers, where counselors answered 2.2 million calls last year.

Feds To Launch 3-Digit Suicide Prevention Phone Number Americans in crisis should continue using 1-800-273-TALK (8255) until the transition is complete. Jessica Lee Published July 17, 2020 ...

SOUTHEASTERN, N.C. (WECT) - A 3-digit phone number — 988 — for suicide prevention and mental health crisis assistance that the Federal Communications Commission approved for nationwide use in July ...

So far, the dialing code to reach the lifeline has been 1-800-273-TALK, which will remain operational during the current expansion to 988. Text messages can be sent to the three-digit number as well.