FCC votes to include texting in upcoming suicide prevention lifeline, 988

The FCC voted to expand a forthcoming 988 suicide lifeline to include an option to text the hotline, in addition to making a phone call.

With the pandemic exacerbating the nation's mental health crisis, the Federal Communications Commission voted to expand a forthcoming 988 suicide lifeline to include an option to text the hotline, in addition to making a phone call.

Experts argue that for people experiencing mental health distress, the easier it is to reach the suicide prevention lifeline, the better. And many people prefer to text rather than call.

"We know that not everyone may be able to make a phone call or be comfortable making a phone call. The ability to text 988 makes it easier for more people to easily access help during a mental health crisis," said Hannah Wesolowski, interim director of government relations, policy & advocacy for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Text message providers will now be required to support text messaging to 988 starting July 2022.