Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that New Jersey will receive $2,521,695 to help transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from the current 10-digit number to a three-digit dialing code – 988. The funding will be distributed through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The additional investment for New Jersey and states across the country to prepare for the implementation of the 988 dialing code is made possible by funds from the fiscal year 2022 annual appropriations law and the American Rescue Plan. The transition to a three-digit dialing code was authorized in the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act that Pallone advanced in his Energy and Commerce Committee.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis in this country, and we must ensure that individuals who need help can get it. With a new, more simple number, individuals in crisis will be able to receive the support they need from qualified professionals through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,” said Pallone. “I’m glad to see that states are receiving this funding to make this vital number more accessible during emergencies.”
The new 988 dialing code establishes a new number that is more easily remembered during a crisis. Beginning in July, the new 988 dialing code will be available nation-wide for calls, texts, or chats. It will also help reduce the burden on emergency services by more effectively triaging mental health emergencies.
Original source can be found here.
