The AP (12/20, Alonso-Zaldivar) reports, “People in crisis and those trying to help them will have a new phone number – 988 – to reach the national suicide prevention network starting in July,” now that “federal health officials” from the Department of Health and Human Services on Dec. 20 “announced more than $280 million to smooth the transition from the current 10-digit number to three digits.” In addition to voice calls, the 988 number will “handle text and chat.” People using 988 “will be able to reach trained counselors who belong to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.”
The Hill (12/20, Coleman) reports, “Before July, Americans needing help should call the current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.”
Related Links:
— “988 suicide phone hotline getting $282M to ease July launch “Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, AP, December 20, 2021