On October 17, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously approved Third Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which requires all U.S. wireless carriers to implement a georouting solution for all calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline). Georouting will allow callers to be connected to a local crisis center based on the geographic location of the call rather than the area code while protecting the privacy of the caller's exact location. As the Administrator of the 988 Lifeline, Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) applauds the Commission for approving rules to connect help seekers with crisis counselors and local resources in their communities.

Over the last year, Vibrant has collaborated with several stakeholders, including The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), wireless carriers, and others, to develop georouting solutions. Vibrant’s technology team has been a core partner in preparing the 988 Lifeline network and testing various georouting solutions. As a result, two nationwide carriers have already begun implementing georouting for their users in September. However, not all callers in the U.S. have benefited from georouting. Regardless of their wireless carrier, we must ensure that people who call the 988 Lifeline can connect to local resources. This vote is critical, as it requires all wireless providers to develop a georouting solution, enabling callers from rural communities to metropolitan areas to equitably access localized support through the 988 Lifeline. This will not only improve the efficiency of the 988 Lifeline but also ensure that help seekers receive the most appropriate and timely support, thereby reducing the burden on emergency services and improving mental health outcomes. 

This vote represents the culmination of years of advocacy and development, during which Vibrant has worked alongside other mental health organizations, telecommunication companies, federal agencies, and other partners. These rules will ensure that help seekers who call the 988 Lifeline are connected to local crisis centers, where counselors are embedded in the community and well-informed about the local resources available. This vote is not just a decision, but a significant step towards ensuring that every help seeker who calls the 988 Lifeline receives the best care 24/7. Vibrant is eager to engage with all wireless providers to ensure equitable access and continue improving the 988 Lifeline.