Statement Regarding the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act Receiving Congressional Approval
We thank Congress for its leadership in passing the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act at this crucial time. It is vital, now more than ever, to ensure mental health crisis services are easily accessible.
Vibrant Emotional Health administers the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, and knows from experience that a national three-digit phone number will expand access to needed crisis services, increase the effectiveness of suicide prevention efforts, help reduce the stigma around mental health, and, ultimately, save lives.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 988 as the three-digit number on July 16, 2020, paving the way for this important step forward in mental health support in this country. We look forward to working with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the FCC and others to ensure that the 988 phone number, and the necessary infrastructure to support this essential service, are available to the public on or before July 16, 2022. Until that time, we encourage people in need of support to continue calling the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
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