November 19, 2019
Background: Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai proposed to begin a rulemaking to establish 988 as a new, nationwide, three-digit phone number for a suicide prevention and mental health hotline. The Commission will vote on this proposal at its December 12 public meeting.
The following statement can be attributed to Jonathan Spalter, president and CEO, USTelecom:
“When someone is in crisis, immediate access to help can mean the difference. The creation of a three-digit national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline is an idea whose time has come. USTelecom is ready and eager to work closely with government, healthcare and community organizations everywhere to advance effective and durable solutions to this national challenge. We thank the FCC for its proposal and look forward to working with Chairman Pai and all the commissioners as we review the details.”