Beginning in July 2022, Americans experiencing a mental health crisis will be able to dial 9-8-8 and be connected to the services and counselors at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (article available here). The number was finalized on October 17, 2020, after the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 became law. The law directs the Federal Communications Commission to designate 9-8-8 as a universal dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and creates a Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support.
"My hope is that by establishing a government-backed 988 suicide and mental health three-digit dialing code, on par with the 911 dialing code all Americans know for emergencies, we will send a powerful signal that there is nothing shameful about seeking help in times of crisis. That it's a sign of strength, not one of weakness. We will let people know that they are not alone," said F.C.C. Chairman Ajit Pai in a statement.