The Associated Press reports:
The Federal Communications Commission is setting up a new three-digit number to reach a suicide prevention hotline.
Once it’s implemented, people will just need to dial 988 to seek help, similar to calling 911 for emergencies or 311 for city services.
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.
The new three-digit dialing code is designed to be an easier-to-remember version of the existing toll-free number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline https://t.co/z0D89nhhoL
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) December 12, 2019