June 7, 2022 -- The FCC approved a nationwide 3-digit phone number, 988, for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline back in December 2019.

Congress, with bipartisan support for a bill signed into law by President Donald Trump, mandated the new system in 2020.

But now, as its July 16 rollout approaches, most state haven’t figured out how to pay for the number, which aims to be as easy to remember as 911 and cause an increase in calls seeking mental health assistance, according to The New York Times.

That could mean the continuation of dangerous delays in service to help callers in crisis, which number more than 2 million a year.

The current number for the lifeline, 800-273-TALK (8255), will still work, the FCC says. But this new number, so easy to remember, will require more staffing, computers and other infrastructure to get speedy emergency help.

The federal law left funding to the states. So far, only 20 have bills in the pipeline to cover even some of the cost, the National Alliance on Mental Illness says. Four states have paid for it all – Colorado, Nevada, Virginia and Washington; measures include adding a fee to cellphone lines.

Monthly fees on phone bills raise some $3 billion a year for 911, the Times reports.

But lawmakers in some states are balking at paying for the mental health line.

"In some places, you're probably in good shape," Hannah Wesolowski, the alliance’s chief advocacy officer, told Reuters. "You could call 988 and there are going to be mobile crisis teams and a pretty robust crisis infrastructure. But in other places, good luck."

To help, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in December announced $282 million in grants. That included $177 million to improve the existing Lifeline network operations and telephone structure – and another $105 million for more employees in states’ crisis call centers.

Until 988 starts July 16, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 for help.

The New York Times: “As a Crisis Hotline Grows, So Do Fears It Won’t Be Ready”

Reuters: “U.S. suicide hotline 988 is set to go live, but many states may not be ready”

Federal Communications Commission. “Suicide Prevention Hotline”

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