There are a number of suicide hotlines around the country, including both national and state-level resources. The best-known of these hotlines is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. By calling this number, individuals can talk to a mental health counselor who is prepared to offer confidential, compassionate help. (Also note that this hotline can connect the caller to more individualized services, including a hotline specific to veterans.)
The one big problem is that not everyone knows, or could remember, the 1-800 number associated with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Enter a critical government action from 2019.
Toward the end of 2019, the FCC recommended the development of a standardized three-digit call-in number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, similar to 911. This recommendation was officially adopted in 2020, appointing 988 as the official number for the National Suicide Prevention Line.