9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Number Takes Step Toward Reality

“988 has an echo of the 911 number we all know as an emergency number. And we believe that this three-digit number dedicated for this purpose will help ease access to crisis services, it will reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health conditions, and ultimately it will save lives,” Chairman Ajit Pai said Thursday during the commission’s open December meeting.

That is what the head of the FCC said regarding their unanimous vote to push the concept of a three-digit emergency number dedicated to suicide prevention.

According to CNN: the proposal requires carriers to implement 988 as a national suicide prevention hotline within an 18-month timeframe. The FCC is asking for input on “all aspects of implementation,” including whether less or more time is needed.

It seems like a good time to bring back a discussion I had a few months back with my buddy Joel Frieders from Hope for the Day. His message of “It’s OK Not To Be OK” has been spreading all over the area…nay, the country! I think it was a fascinating dive into mental health and suicide prevention.