Senate Approves Bill To Create 3-Digit National Suicide Hotline Number

The transcript discusses a new bill for a nationwide 3-digit crisis hotline, 988, to connect callers to local crisis centers. The bill aims to fund these centers through state-collected fees and requires government health agencies to report on supporting high-risk groups. The FCC approved the number after studies and public comments, estimating significant costs for implementation and awareness. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives. Contact information for existing support services is provided.

What was the estimated cost for the first year of implementing the new number?

What should someone do if they need to talk to someone in crisis?