Vibrant Emotional Health and Coalition of 45 Organizations Endorse FCC’s Georouting Proposal for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Media Contact:
Divendra Jaffar, [email protected]
NEW YORK, NY – June 28, 2024 – Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), the administrator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline), in collaboration with leading organizations in mental health, substance use, health, and social services, wholeheartedly supports the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposed rule on georouting for the 988 Lifeline. The proposed rule would require wireless carriers to support the geographic routing of 988 calls to the nearest crisis counseling center by providing the general location of calls, thereby enhancing a caller’s access to local crisis counselors and resources.
Currently, over 80% of calls to the 988 Lifeline originate from cell phones, many of which have area codes that do not reflect the caller’s location. This discrepancy results in many callers being routed to crisis centers in different counties or states, hindering access to essential local services.
“At Vibrant Emotional Health, we are immensely grateful to the FCC and the 45 supporting organizations for their commitment to implementing georouting for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This crucial development will ensure callers receive timely and localized care, connecting them with the most appropriate resources and support in their immediate vicinity,” said Grant Riewe, Chief Technology Officer at Vibrant Emotional Health. “In these challenging times, the ability to provide swift, tailored crisis intervention is more important than ever. Georouting represents a significant step forward in our mission to offer accessible, life-saving support to individuals in crisis nationwide.”
As the nation grapples with an escalating mental health crisis, the need for immediate access to crisis intervention and emotional support is more critical than ever. Implementing georouting will enable individuals to connect with local counselors and services within the Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers.
The introduction of the 988 Lifeline in 2022 significantly boosted the visibility and scope of the national suicide hotline, leading to a 46% increase in calls, a 141% increase in chats, and a staggering 1,135% increase in texts in its first year. This transition has demonstrated the benefits of expanded crisis support services. Further advancements have been made to improve equity and access, including the expansion of Spanish services, the introduction of a video phone service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and the establishment of a dedicated line for LGBTQI+ youth and young adults under 25. Georouting will continue advancing these efforts by ensuring callers receive local support.
“We deeply appreciate the leading organizations from across the country who have united in support of georouting for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. By coming together, we are taking a vital step towards ensuring everyone has access to the care and resources they need, precisely when and where they need it most. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to enhancing mental health support and saving lives nationwide,” said Laura Evans, Assistant Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Vibrant Emotional Health.
To read the Georouting Sign-On Letter and view the complete list of supporting organizations, please visit this link.
For life-saving crisis support and resources, visit vibrant.org or 988lifeline.org. If you are in crisis and need help, please call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat/.
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About Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional well-being. For over 50 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support when, where, and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading-edge telephone, text, and web-based technologies, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Disaster Distress Helpline, Veterans Crisis Line, and NFL Life Line. Through our community wellness programs, individuals and families obtain the support and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental well-being as a social responsibility. We help nearly 5 million people live healthier and more vibrant lives yearly. We’re advancing access, dignity, and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. Follow Vibrant on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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