A study shows most states are not ready to make the transition to a national 988 call system for behavioral health emergencies.

The new three-digit number was authorized by federal law in 2020, one year after a Federal Communications Commission report suggested it as an easy-to-remember shortcut to the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention hotline. All phone providers must be able to connect 988 callers to the hotline by July 16, 2022.