Calling a suicide prevention hotline will soon be as easy as calling 911 because it is getting it’s own three digit number.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just submitted a report to Congress that lays out the best possible method of implementing a 3-digit phone number for the federally-funded National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The report recommends that lawmakers designate 988 as the new dialing code to be used for a nationwide suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, which “would likely make it easier for Americans in crisis to access potentially life-saving resources.” The 188-page report was in response to the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018, which was approved in the House in a near unanimous 379-1 vote back in July of last year.

“We all know by heart to dial 911 during an emergency. We have fate and confidence that somebody who can help will be on the line. It shouldn’t be any different for someone in a mental health crisis,” said Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) in support of the bill.

If the report is approved by Congress, thousands of lives can be saved and improved.

“Crisis call centers have been shown to save lives,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “This report recommends using a three-digit number to make it easier to access the critical suicide prevention and mental health services these call centers provide. I intend to move forward on this recommendation.”

“In the meantime, my heart goes out to anyone facing a crisis,” he added. “I hope they will contact 1-800-273-TALK for support today.”