In a move that could help more Americans in crisis get help faster, federal officials announced Tuesday that major mobile phone companies have rolled out technology that directs 988 calls to local mental health services based on location rather than area code.
“988’s goal is to help people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis receive compassionate, non-judgmental help 24/7,” Miriam Delphine Ritmon, a leader at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), said in a statement, CNN reported. “We can improve the quality of care by connecting callers to local centers that can share information about local services and resources.”
CNN reports that Verizon and T-Mobile began rolling out the “georouting” technology last week. Once fully implemented, the change will cover roughly half of all wireless calls to the 988 Lifeline. AT&T also plans to begin the process within the next two to three months.
Next month, the Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to vote on rules that would require all wireless carriers to use geo-routing for 988 calls. If the final rules are adopted, nationwide carriers would begin deploying the technology within 30 days, and smaller carriers would have two years to do so, CNN reported.
“In times of crisis, every minute counts, especially when it comes to calling for help for yourself or a loved one who needs mental health support. Connecting with resources available in your neighborhood and speaking with people in your community can be truly beneficial,” FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel told CNN. “Georouting will give those who answer 988 calls more knowledge about local resources at their fingertips and will be better prepared to get callers the help they need, where they need it.”
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free emotional support and counselling to people experiencing mental health crises and operates 24/7 with over 200 participating local crisis centres across the country.
According to data released by SAMHSA, 988 has received more than 10 million calls, texts and chats in the two years since it began.
The proposed FCC rules focus on georouting of calls, not text messages, which is different from geolocation because it doesn’t provide a caller’s exact location, CNN reported.
“There will no longer be unnecessary 988 calls or messages sent to emergency centers hundreds of miles away,” Rosenworcel said. “I’m really pleased to see this life-saving resource being further improved.”
More information: If you or a loved one is in crisis, 988 Lifeline can help.
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Citation: 988 Mental Health Crisis Calls Now Linked to Caller’s Location Instead of Area Code (September 25, 2024) Retrieved September 25, 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-09-mental-health-crisis-link-caller.html
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