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Three-Digit Suicide Hotline Number on Its Way

Hot line

The number would provide ease of access for all, including particularly at-risk populations such as LGBTQ youth.

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The Federal Communications Commission Thursday approved plans to go ahead with a three-digit number for a suicide prevention hotline.

The five members of the commission approved the plan unanimously, CNN reports. Now there will be a period of public comment and the commission will start the rulemaking process.

The number will be 988. "988 has an echo of the 911 number we all know as an emergency number," Chairman Ajit Pai said at the commission's meeting. "And we believe that this three-digit number dedicated for this purpose will help ease access to crisis services, it will reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health conditions, and ultimately it will save lives."

In proposing the three-digit hotline in August, Pai had mentioned the epidemic of suicide among certain vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ youth. His comment came upon the issuance of a report from the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics. The report pointed out that a three-digit number would be easier to access than longer ones, and it also recommended specialized services for LGBTQ youth, veterans, and other at-risk groups. The proposal approved Thursday includes those services.

The Trevor Project, which works to prevent suicide among LGBTQ young people, praised the commission's move. "The Trevor Project applauds the FCC for unanimously approving the proposal to adopt 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number," said Sam Brinton, head of advocacy and government affairs for the organization, said in a press release. "Shortening the Lifeline number to three digits, along with transferring calls to those who can best serve high-risk populations like LGBTQ youth -- who are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers -- will save lives. It is critically important that this proposal is implemented as swiftly as possible and that all Lifeline counselors are provided with LGBTQ cultural competency training to best serve LGBTQ youth in crisis."

The proposal sets an 18-month timeline for phone companies to implement the 988 number, but it also asks for public input on whether it will take more time to do so or if it can be done earlier, CNN notes.

The measure does not include the option of text messaging, however. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said that is an error, as "texting is primary for so many young people, and it would be a mistake for us to build a system that presumes talk is the only starting point for discussion." The Trevor Project and some other services offer a texting option.

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, praised the commission's move and urged Congress to take action on a bill he sponsored with an out Democratic Senate colleague, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, that would provide support for the new hotline. Both their bill and a companion one in the U.S. House "would authorize states to collect fees aimed at ensuring that local crisis centers will be able to support increased volume," CNN reports.

If you are a trans or gender-nonconforming person considering suicide, Trans Lifeline can be reached at (877) 565-8860. LGBTQ youth (ages 24 and younger) can reach the Trevor Project Lifeline at (866) 488-7386. You can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 can be reached 24 hours a day by people of all ages and identities.

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Trudy Ring

Trudy Ring is The Advocate’s senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she’s interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud “old movie weirdo” and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and ’40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.
Trudy Ring is The Advocate’s senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she’s interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud “old movie weirdo” and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and ’40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.