NAMI Statement on New FCC Rulemaking on 988 Georouting

“NAMI applauds the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for formally starting the process to ensure calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are routed to the nearest call center for lifesaving help. We’re grateful to Chairwoman Rosenworcel and the Commissioners for their recognition that people in crisis need to be connected with local services and support, no matter where they are in the U.S., while protecting confidentially.

People who call 988 currently will receive support regardless of location. However, our community knows all too well the limitations of routing calls based on a caller’s area code: the difficulty of being connected to local services; the worry about whether a loved one away from home would get help in a crisis; or the unknown of what response will be available if someone needs help in-person. Today marks a major step forward to better route calls and help people in crisis, and we look forward to the opportunity for public comment on the proposal.”