National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The 988 line is the centerpiece of a nationwide effort to unify responses to Americans experiencing mental health crises. But many people, especially in rural areas, will continue to find themselves far from help if they need more support than operators can offer.

Racial and ethnic minority groups are most likely to live in impoverished areas, where homicide and suicide rates are highest. Mental health leaders hope the 988 phone number will be so easy to remember that they'll get help before it's too late.

Proponents say the number will be easier to remember or dial in a crisis. They also hope it improves access to services, decreases unnecessary interactions with the police and saves lives.

The recent change in four Florida area codes and 81 others in the country will give residents access to 988 for suicide help, similar to using 911 for other medical emergencies.

Research on the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and the 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong found a rise in suicides accompanied the health crises. The same could happen with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Federal Communications Commission unanimously OK'd the proposal, which would allow callers in crisis to reach a national mental health support network simply by dialing 988.

Florida's rural counties are seeing suicide rates for youth almost double that of the state's large cities. And experts say isolation, poverty, access...