In late October, FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed increasing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) to just accept textual content messages through the 988 three-digit dialing code — akin to 911 — to “better support at-risk communities in crisis, including youth and individuals with disabilities.” On Thursday, the complete four-member board voted in favor of enacting the proposal which can take impact by July 16, 2022. 

Suicide was the second leading cause of death in the United States for ages 10 – 35 in 2019 (tenth general), per the NIMH. Nearly 45,000 individuals died by suicide in 2020, disproportionately impacting younger individuals, black individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, Veterans peoples, and disabled individuals. 

“Today’s action requires covered text providers to support text messaging to 988 by routing text messages sent to 988 to the Lifeline’s 10-digit number, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK),” Thursday’s announcement said. “The rules establish a process that will require covered text providers to support transmitting messages to 988 in additional text messaging formats that the Lifeline is capable of receiving.”

Until subsequent July rolls round, for those who’re struggling and want somebody to hear, please, name 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or webchat the Lifeline.