National Council Statement on FCC’s Adoption of 988 Georouting Rule

WASHINGTON, DC (October 17, 2024) — National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia today made the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted georouting as part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:  

“In any crisis, every second counts. Georouting means people calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline who might need additional, in-person help can receive it more quickly and efficiently.  

“In its first two years alone, more than 10 million people contacted the 988 Lifeline through calls, chats and texts. Much more than a crisis line, however, the 988 Lifeline represents a portal to community resources that can help a person both navigate an immediate crisis and find ongoing care. Georouting will make that easier for everyone involved.  

“Much of that care comes from National Council for Mental Wellbeing members, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), that provide these lifesaving crisis services every day. The CCBHC model offers powerful advantages for the funding, sustainability, implementation, coordination and enhancement of local and national crisis response services.

“Further establishing the CCBHC model as a permanent part of our health care system through the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act is our best hope to quickly expand access to quality, reliable mental health, substance use and crisis care in communities across the country.

“We share our gratitude to the FCC for taking this crucial step in support of people throughout the country who call for help and, now, will get it even more quickly.”