WVU in the News: New suicide hotline number could save hundreds of West Virginians
Injury Control Reserach Center Director Robert Bossarte says new number is vital to saving lives
An FCC approval approved Wednesday evening shortens the National Suicide Prevention Hotline to just three numbers, 988. In West Virginia, more access to suicide prevention resources come at a vital time.
The number is not operational yet, but is expected before 2022
The state's suicide rate sits at eighth highest in the nation and the highest east of the Mississippi.
Robert Bossarte, PhD, Director of the WVU School of Public Health Injury Control Research Center, says the suicide hotline is already vital to saving lives.