The FCC Approves a new 3 digit number for the National Suicide Hotline

   Over the past decade, Suicide has become more prevalent in American society. It is now becoming an epidemic. Suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. To combat the increase in suicide the FCC or Federal Communications Commission approved a new suicide hotline. These new and improved hotline is just 3 number: 988. They are aiming to have the hotline in 18 months. They feel that if they have a shorter number that is easier to remember. This way people can receive the help they need without searching up a long number.

   This new initiative will cost a total of $570 million in the first year of the program and $170 million in the second year of the program. The costs of the program are not cheap, but the benefits of saving lives are worth the money. Along with saving lives the program will also people understand the suicide epidemic. People will be more aware and will accept those who need help. People must understand that suicide is a real concern and that mental health is just as important as any other component of personal health.

   I think that adding this new hotline is a step in the right direction. By giving a number like 911 shows the severity of suicide and the importance that society puts on helping others in need of help. I think that more people will reach out and more lives will be saved. I think that lives are worth more than any money so any investment towards creating a safer society is a good investment.

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Stracqualursi, Veronica. “FCC Moves Ahead with Proposal for New 3-Digit Number as Suicide Prevention Hotline.” CNN, Cable News Network, 12 Dec. 2019, www.cnn.com/2019/12/12/politics/fcc-988-suicide-prevention-hotline/index.html.