FCC considers rule change to make 988 suicide hotline more accessible
Newsy
The agency could require phone companies to direct calls for help based on the caller's physical location rather than their area code.
The Federal Communications Commission is considering a rule change that will make getting help more accessible when calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The change being considered is a requirement from phone companies to direct calls for help based on the caller's physical location rather than their area code. For example, right now if you have a 716 area code but flew across the country, you would still be connected with Buffalo, New York, when calling 988.
Scripps News Buffalo spoke with mental health experts to learn how this change could play a vital role in helping people in their time of need.
"We really would like geolocation not only for the purposes of people getting the care they need quicker but for there to be a better reflection of the work that each center is doing for their community," said Robyn Wiktorski-Reynolds Vice President of Clinical Operations at Crisis Services.
She said the center has gone from fielding 5,000 calls a year to 1,000 calls a month.
