“We believe that 988 — which has an echo of the 911 number we all know as an emergency number — will help people access mental health services,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a news release obtained by CNN.
The current 10-digit number for the hotline, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), will remain available as well. The agency will vote at its July 16 open meeting to officially designate the new number.
The agency approved the new number for the hotline in December.
More articles on public health:
COVID-19 activity by region: Where states are surging, reopening
Face mask order waived for people of color who fear profiling, Oregon county says
White House to end funding of 13 testing sites; 7 states see record hospitalizations — 5 COVID-19 updates
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
