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Chairman @AjitPaiFCC today released a new video about the FCC’s proposal to make 988 the national #SuicidePrevention 3-digit number https://t.co/YNtXnN0V8t

— The FCC (@FCC) December 12, 2019

Under the new proposal, calls made to 988 would be directed to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a national network of 163 crisis centers available at 1-800-273-TALK & online, according to the FCC.

The agenda for today’s Open Meeting covers the 988 #SuicidePrevention hotline, two mid-band spectrum proposals including for the 5.9 GHz band, a VoIP symmetry rule decision, and a media policy proposal: https://t.co/SbGKgXEoq5 #5GHz #OpenMtgFCC #FCCLive

— The FCC (@FCC) December 12, 2019

According to the FCC fact sheet, the proposed rule was conceived after Congress passed the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018.

\"The statute tasked the FCC -- with examining and reporting on the technical feasibility of designating a shorter number -- \"a simple, easy-to-remember, 3-digit dialing code\" -- for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.\"

ABHW applauds the @SenateCommerce Committee for passing the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, designating 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Thank you @SenCoryGardner, @SenatorBaldwin, @JerryMoran, & @SenJackReed for your leadership. https://t.co/ximrOqcNVF pic.twitter.com/URZ1MkvKEE

— ABHW (@ABHWorg) December 12, 2019

The official proposal starts the process of designating 988 as the three-digit dialing code for this purpose, which the FCC said will \"help increase the effectiveness of suicide prevention efforts, ease access to crisis services, reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health conditions, and ultimately save lives.\"

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.

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