FCC proposes new 9-8-8 suicide prevention number, anticipates spike in calls

The Federal Communications Commission last week unanimously approved a proposal to set aside 9-8-8 as the replacement for the existing national suicide hotline number, a move that is expected to generate a substantial increase in the number of callers (Source: “New Suicide Prevention Number Could Lead to Surge in Calls,” Stateline, Dec. 20, 2019).

In response to rising suicide rates in the U.S. over the past two decades, Congress enacted the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018, to encourage more people to seek help. It directed the Federal Communications Commission to study the feasibility of creating a three-digit suicide hotline number, like 9-1-1, that more people could remember. Last week’s FCC proposal designated 9-8-8 for that purpose. The new number isn’t expected to go live for a year or more.

The easy-to-remember number is projected to generate a substantial increase in the number of callers, which suicide prevention experts roundly support. But the network of local call centers that respond to distraught and suicidal callers is woefully underfunded, said John Draper, director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which provides infrastructure and support for the nation’s more than 170 local suicide hotlines.