The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to unanimously approve a three-digit suicide prevention hotline. The new hotline would be similar to calling 9-1-1, but it would direct callers to emergency services specifically targeted at suicide prevention.
There's a ten digit hotline that already exists, but this latest proposal for the three-digit hotline is meant to make it easier to remember. The FCC predicts an extra $50 million will be needed per year so call centers keep up with demand.
Dialing 9-8-8, or whatever three digit number the FCC ultimately chooses, is hoped to help combat the increasing number of suicides each year by helping to eliminate the stigma against seeking out mental health help.