There have been recent reports and social media posts circulating in St. Clair County and the surrounding areas that there is a new number for the national suicide prevention hotline. While there are plans in the works to establish the three-digit 988 number, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just voted December 12 to approve the proposal which is now open for public comment and the start of the rulemaking process before the hotline is accessible at 988. Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado applauded the FCC’s actions, but acknowledges there is still more work to be done. Gardner said last week’s action, “by the FCC is a historic step toward making the 988 suicide hotline a reality, but it doesn’t mean the work is over. Congress still has a major role to play in creating and supporting this hotline and ensuring that states have the flexibility to make it work.” So, if you see these posts circulating, inform others that the hotline is currently only accessible by the 10-digit number, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Through the hotline last year, counselors answered more than 2.2 million calls and more than 100,000 online chats, according to the FCC.
