FCC agrees to send a text message to 988 to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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Late October, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel wants to expand the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) to respond to text messages via 988 three-calling numbers – such as 911 – “to better support vulnerable communities, including youth and the disabled.” On Thursday, the entire four-member committee voted in favor of the adoption of the resolution, which will take effect on July 16, 2022.
Suicide was the second leading cause of death in the United States for 10 – 35 years in 2019 (10th general), according to NIMH. An estimated 45,000 people committed suicide in 2020, affecting young people, blacks, LGBTQ + people, veterans, and the disabled.
“Current operations require encrypted messaging service providers to support texting to 988 by sending text messages to 988 at Lifeline number 10, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK),” Thursday’s announcement said. “These rules establish a mechanism that will require messaging service providers to assist in sending messages to 988 in additional information that Lifeline can receive.”
Until next July, if you are in need and need someone to listen, please call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or Lifeline Website.
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