The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday took a major step toward combating the rising tide of suicides in the United States, voting unanimously to approve a proposal that would establish a three-digit suicide hotline.
Now, Americans may soon be able to dial 988 to access 24/7 help if they or anyone else is in danger of harming themselves. The number conjures the ease of use associated with calling 911, and it would be more convenient than memorizing or having to look up the current 10-digit suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
As is often the case, less is usually more, and a mere three digits could mean the difference between a hopeful path forward and a tragic ending. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai put it in stark terms: “More than 20 veterans die by suicide every day and more than half a million LGBTQ youth will attempt suicide this year alone. … A shorter, simpler suicide hotline number could be a game-changer.”
Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death nationwide, and it’s become the No. 1 cause of death for Utah’s youths aged 10-17. The state’s rate of suicide consistently trends higher than the national average.
So it’s heartening to see Utah’s representatives influencing national efforts. Former Sen. Orrin Hatch sponsored the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, which passed in 2018 and paved the way for the FCC to start its work. Rep. Chris Stewart sponsored the House version of Hatch’s bill, and he is also the Republican House sponsor of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which would formally replace the 10-digit Lifeline with 988 and unlock states’ abilities to collect fees to fund local crisis centers.
That last part is crucial, as a simpler number would likely increase the volume of calls and flood services that already have a difficult time keeping up with demand. According to the FCC, the current hotline received more than 2.2 million calls and 100,000 online chats in 2018, and PBS reported last year that the Lifeline is expected to field 12 million calls over the next four years, the same amount as it received in the 12 years between 2005 and 2017.
As such, implementing a new hotline could be a costly affair. Estimates say the first-year price tag could top $570 million, but we sincerely hope all Americans consider this a pittance to pay in exchange for the life of a loved one.
With Thursday’s vote, the proposed rule heads to a public comment period. Worth investigating is whether the number could support a text line, which it currently does not. Youths are more likely to text than place a call, and a convenient text line could mean better access to teens in the throes of crisis.
Still, we’re hopeful the number is quickly adopted, formalized by Congress and built into the national lexicon as soon as possible. It could be a life-saver.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. Utahns can access 24/7 help through the SafeUT app.