WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT CHAIRMAN PAI’S DRAFT ORDER TO ESTABLISH 988 AS THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE NUMBER -- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: “The 988 three-digit number will help Veterans and non-Veteran callers quickly access help in times of crisis and open the door to engage new individuals in life-saving care.” (Statement, 6/26/20) National Institute of Mental Health: “@NIMHgov supports FCC efforts to simplify access to crisis services. A 9-8-8 three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will help callers quickly and simply access help in times of crisis.” (Tweet, 7/10/20) Senator Cory Gardner (CO): “This morning Chairman @AjitPaiFCC announced the @FCC will vote to advance the #988SuicideHotline on July 16. This announcement brings us one step closer to making this life-saving hotline a reality.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Ranking Member Bob Latta (OH): “This is great news. Designating 988 as the national suicide hotline number will save lives & will bring us one step closer to #reducingthestigma surrounding #mentalhealth conditions.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Rep. Ken Calvert (CA): “As an original cosponsor of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act to make 988 the number for the suicide prevention hotline, I want to thank @AjitPalFCC for working to make this life-saving change a reality.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Rep. Michael McCaul (TX): “Per a recent report, doctors in the US have seen a rise in Americans dealing with depression and/or anxiety. Thank you @AjitPaiFCC for establishing an easier way for individuals to reach out for mental health assistance when they need it.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Rep. Vicky Hartzler (MO): “Fantastic idea, @AjitPaiFCC. Huge impact for our veterans in particular. Nearly 20 veterans commit suicide every day. Many don't have access to critical mental health resources they need. They’ve served us honorably and deserve for their government to step up and help them.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes: “Suicide prevention is a priority and a 3-digit suicide prevention hotline will save lives. If these rules are adopted, 988 will be required to be implemented within 2 years. We look forward to the progression of establishing 988 as the new suicide prevention hotline!” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Mayor Mark Hall (Helena, AL): “@AjitPaiFCC Great work! Suicide and suicide risks are bound to keep rising unless there are resources like this close at hand with easy access for those in need! 988, the sooner the better. Thank you Mr. Chairman.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Active Minds: “THIS is a great step forward. Mental health is just as important as physical health & a dedicated number to connect people in crisis with suicide prevention & mental health crisis counselors is an important next step in recognizing that.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) American Association of Suicidology: “We commend @AjitPaiFCC & the @FCC’s decision to establish 988 as a unique, national 3-digit hotline number to provide suicide prevention and mental health crisis intervention support across the country. Especially in times of societal crisis and change, having access to equitable and effective behavioral health crisis services is incredibly important and necessary to continue saving lives.” (Tweet, 7/10/20) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: “Thank you @AjitPaiFCC and the @FCC staff for working to make the 988 hotline a reality! The time to prevent suicide is now.” (Tweet, 6/24/20) Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness: “ABHW and its member companies commend Chairman Pai and the FCC for their efforts in championing the designation of 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. A dedicated, easily recognizable number for suicide prevention will quickly connect those in need with someone who can help, and attenuate the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.” (Statement, 6/23/20) Centerstone: “As suicides are on the rise in nearly all demographics across the nation, a dedicated three-digit number for those experiencing a mental health crisis would be a landmark step for the field of mental health, making it easier to support those in pain and begin the journey toward hope and healing.” (Statement, 6/23/20) Education Development Center: “EDC supports the Federal Communications Commission’s initiative to establish 988 as the official three-digit national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline number by July 2022. As an organization dedicated to preventing suicide, we recognize the importance of an easily accessible hotline to support those in crisis.” (Facebook post, 7/8/20) Entercom: “We’re thrilled to support FCC Chairman @AjitPaiFCC on the establishment of 988 as the nationwide number for suicide prevention and mental health counseling.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Health Innovation Alliance: “Adoption of these rules by the FCC is a critical step to helping people in crisis connect to counselors who can help them in their time of need. We applaud Chairman Pai and the Commission for their leadership to reduce increasing suicide rates.” (Statement, 7/13/20) Joplin Globe: “Replacing a long and burdensome telephone number with an easy-to-remember and discreet three-digit number is a great idea for individuals and their loved ones struggling with suicide, and it will help save countless lives.” (Editorial, 7/8/20) LGBT Tech: “LGBT Tech applauds the FCC for moving forward with the implementation of 988 on such a timely manner. Suicide is a pandemic disease for LGBTQ+ people living in the United States . . . . These measures come as the culmination of ongoing efforts between the FCC and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including LGBT Tech and the Trevor Project, to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals can receive adequate care in crisis.” (Blog, 6/23/20) Log Cabin Republicans: “Thank you @AjitPaiFCC for your work to provide critical backing for a national 3-digit suicide prevention hotline, and supporting specialized #LGBTQ youth support.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Mental Health America: “Mental Health America applauds the decision of the FCC order that 9-8-8 be established as a three-digit national, official suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline number by July 2022 . . . . Too often, when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, people call 911 and get a police response. The designation of 9-8-8 as an effective and accessible resource for mental health emergencies is a critical step toward addressing that problem and MHA looks forward to working with the FCC, our colleagues and local communities to ensure a mental health response to what is a mental health need.” (Statement, 6/23/20) National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: “The @Action_Alliance thanks the @FCC for its leadership in working to designate 9-8-8 as the number for #suicideprevention and mental health.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) National Alliance on Mental Illness: “GOOD NEWS: During #HillDayAtHome, @AjitPaiFCC announced that @FCC commissioners will vote on 9-8-8 at a 7/16 meeting. FCC approval in three weeks will be a tremendous step towards the ultimate goal of making 9-8-8 operational for people seeking help during a mental health crisis.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) National Association of State 911 Administrators: “In the past, when someone was experiencing a mental health crisis, they often called 911 and received a public safety emergency response. The result was often sending the police when what a person in crisis needed was a mental health provider. The designation of 988 creates an effective and accessible resource for mental health situations when 911 is not needed. NASNA looks forward to working with the FCC and the mental health community to ensure a mental health response to mental health needs, and an emergency response to public health and safety needs.” (Statement, 6/30/20) National Council for Behavioral Health: “We were excited to have Chairman @AjitPaiFCC at our #HillDayAtHome today for this great announcement. Establishing 9-8-8 as the official National Suicide Prevention Hotline will help so many lives experiencing a crisis. We are proud to support this life-saving service.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) NENA—The 9-1-1 Association: “NENA applauds the @FCC’s work to implement 988 as the nationwide short code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. A dedicated, easy-to-remember suicide prevention lifeline will lead to more robust, specialized help & save lives, while taking some of the burden off 911.” (Tweet, 7/14/20) Reingold: “For those in crisis, access to suicide prevention resources is critical and can be the difference between life or death. Reingold welcomes the @FCC’s designation of 9-8-8 as the number for #suicideprevention.” (Tweet, 7/8/20) RI International: “The implementation of 988 Hotline is a critical step in #SuicidePrevention and meeting the need of those in #MentalHealthCrisis. We support 988! Make sure your voice is heard in the support of this vital resource!” (Tweet, 6/25/20) Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: “Suicide and mental health in America are a public health crisis that need everyone’s attention. It is only through strong and smart leadership that these issues become a priority. SAVE thanks @AjitPaiFCC and the @FCC staff for working to create the 988 hotline. Together, we look forward to being a partner in this effort because we know it will SAVE more lives.” (Facebook post, 7/6/20) Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: “TAPS is grateful to the @FCC for its leadership and ongoing efforts in working to create a 3-digit suicide prevention hotline. 9-8-8 will give all Americans quick access to help in times of crisis. #suicideprevention.” (Tweet, 7/10/20) Trevor Project: “The Trevor Project commends the FCC for moving forward with the implementation of 9-8-8 on an efficient two-year timeline. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young people, and LGBTQ youth are at increased risk. Americans in crisis cannot wait. We also applaud the FCC’s continued support for specialized services for LGBTQ youth . . . . It has never been more clear that our national mental health infrastructure requires reinforcement and innovation to meet the growing need. We look forward to working with the FCC and Congress to meet the challenge and save lives.” (Statement, 6/23/20) Vibrant Emotional Health: “Easily accessible #mentalhealth crisis services are vital now more than ever. Thanks @AjitPaiFCC & @FCC for your leadership as you work to establish 988 as the new 3-digit number for Americans in crisis.” (Tweet, 6/23/20) Zero Suicide: “A 3-digit hotline can save a life . . . this is a huge leap forward in #suicideprevention and we support 988!” (Tweet, 6/25/20) ### Office of Chairman Pai: (202) 418-1000 / Twitter: @AjitPaiFCC / www.fcc.gov/leadership/ajit-pai This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).