States prepare for summer launch of new 988 suicide prevention number (CNN)
TL;DR version: Mandatory telephone regulations for both landlines and cell phones go into effect July 16 to make "988" the national Suicide Prevention hotline number (similar to "911" in the majority of areas).
On that date, seven-digit dialing (such as in my area) will cease to work, as most area codes have a 988 central office. 1-xxx- will be required for all calls dialed in the United States on July 16. (I will have to get used to dialing ten numbers for local calls).
This summer, every state will be rolling out 988 as the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number to call for mental health crises -- similar to how people can call 911 for medical emergencies.
But in some states, questions remain around funding the transition, staffing call centers and having response teams ready.
The transition to 988 is "not optional," according to the US Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
No more than half of states have enacted or introduced legislation in preparation for 988's debut, scheduled for July 16, according to data from the National Academy for State Health Policy. (more)
First: legislation whose heart is in the right place? Good to hear.
Second: just wondering if you will need the 1 for long distance any more. We have had 10 digit dialing out east here for quite a while (due to overlay area codes, themselves due to the mobile phone explosion), and if you try to call starting with a 1 you will get an error. FYI.
Third: need to contact my state reps and senators to get our local bill moving.
Thanks for the info.