FCC creates new 911-style number for suicide prevention

Published November 18, 2021 5:23pm ET



The Federal Communications Commission established a new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on Thursday that vulnerable youth, veterans, and those with disabilities or mental health issues can access by texting or calling 988, similar to those who call 911 for emergency purposes.

The commission voted on a bipartisan basis to create the new Lifeline program, which will create a national network providing free, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

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