Digital Agent Enables 988 Connection to Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL)
Graphic instructing callers how to use the new number for the NSPL.
ATLANTA - May 10, 2021 - (Newswire.com)
Digital Agent is one of the first phone service providers in the country to enable the 988 shortcut for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). In July of 2020, the FCC directed carriers to make 988 the number for the NSPL by July 2022. Digital Agent made connecting 988 to the NSPL a priority in order to better serve the community and make it as easy as possible for those in crisis to reach the assistance they need.
"One of our core values at Digital Agent is that 'We Care.' Many of our loved ones have struggled with mental health, and we know how important it is to reach the right person when you're in an emergency. We want to do our part to make sure the people in our community get the support they need when they need it," said Howard Hunter, owner of Digital Agent.
Established in 1998, Digital Agent supports small to medium-sized businesses across the country. The company specializes in business telecommunications and many of its clients work in high-stress industries like the legal and healthcare fields. Digital Agent wants all of their phone users to have quick and seamless access to emergency mental health services.
"Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Americans in 2018, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes. An FCC staff report to Congress in 2019 proposed establishing 988 as an easy-to-remember, three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Staff analyzed various options and determined 988 was the best option for increasing access to crisis resources and ensuring the fastest possible transition. Establishing the easy-to-remember 988 as the '911' for suicide prevention and mental health services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues," according to the FCC.
Those who are not using a carrier who has enabled 988 can still reach the NSPL by calling 1-800-273-8255. Reporters may schedule interviews and direct questions to Lori Phillips, Digital Agent's VP of Marketing, at lphillips@digitalagent.net.
About Digital Agent
Since 1998, Digital Agent, LLC. has been an innovative and trusted provider of business phone, internet, cybersecurity, and IT services in the metro Atlanta area. For more information about Digital Agent, call 678-444-3007 or visit digitalagent.net. The corporate office is conveniently located at 2300 Windy Ridge Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, down the street from Truist Park (old SunTrust Park).
Related Files
FCC Press Release.pdf
Press Release Service by Newswire.com
Original Source: Digital Agent Enables 988 Suicide Prevention Number
