The FCC establishes a nationwide mental health crisis lifeline

According to the American Hospital Association, the Federal Communications Commission established a nationwide number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on Thursday.

Just dial 9-8-8.

Under these new rules, telecommunications carriers and one-way Voice over Internet Protocol service providers must direct all 9-8-8 calls to the existing mental health crisis lifeline (1-800-273-TALK).

The current lifeline and online chat services will remain available.