At the end of October, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel proposed expanding the national killing lifeline (1-800-273-8255) to receive text messages through a three-digit call code 988 – similar to “to” support a better community in Indonesia crisis, including youth and individuals with disabilities. “On Thursday, the four-member board chose to impose a proposal to apply on July 16, 2022.
Suicide is the main cause of the second death in the United States for centuries 10 – 35 in 2019 (10 overall), per niMH. Nearly 45,000 people died by suicide by 2020, disproportionately influencing young people, black people, LGBTQ + people, veterans, and disabled people.
“Today’s actions need a covered text provider to support text messages to 988 by routing text messages sent to 988 to the 10 digit lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255 (talk),” said the announcement Thursday). “The rules set a process that will require a text provider discussed to support sending messages to 988 in additional text message formats that can be received by the lifeline.”
Until next July rolled around, if you struggle and need someone to listen, please, call 1-800-273-8255 (talk) or live line webchat.
