FCC approves texting to 988 to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

In late October, FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed expanding the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) to accept text messages via 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 full four-member board voted in favor of enacting the proposal which will take effect by July 16, 2022. Suicide was the second leading cause of death in the United States fo...