FCC votes to set up 3-digit suicide hotline number like 911

AP- U.S. regulators are setting up a new three-digit number to reach a suicide prevention hotline. Similar to 911 for emergencies, people will just need to dial 988 to seek help _ once it’s implemented. Currently, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline uses a 10-digit number, 800-273-TALK. Callers are routed to one of 163 crisis centers, where counselors answered 2.2 million calls last year. Thursday’s vote by the Federal Communications Commission starts the months-long process to set up 988. The next step is a comment period before the FCC moves to an order.