Around New England

Seth Moulton Backs Three-Digit Number for Mental Health Hotline

September 11, 2020

U.S. Representative Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) voiced his support for a shorter, easier-to-remember version of the  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline when tweeting about World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday this week.

The current number for the lifeline is 1-800-273-8255, but Moulton is among many politicians support the Federal Communication Commission’s efforts to allow people to dial 988 to reach it.

“Mental health care should be as routine as physical health care in our country. When you have a broken bone, you see a doctor. The same should go for all those facing mental health challenges,” Moulton wrote. “That’s why I’m advocating for legislation to make 988 the national mental health crisis hotline—so that anyone having a mental health emergency can get help immediately.”

The FCC approved the new number back in July. It is scheduled to be available for use nationwide by July 16, 2022.

Read More