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It’s so simple; I’m surprised it has taken this long to go national.
Of course, it makes sense. I think about my cell phone number. I have had the same number for 15 years. The area code is central New Jersey. If a first aid responder needed to find me based on my area code, finding me would be impossible. My cell number is a New Jersey area code, but I have lived in Virginia for the past eight years.
Using today’s technology and pinging cell towers to determine my physical location would lead them directly to me
| 988 |
| That’s the phone number to reach the crisis lifeline in the US, which provides free emotional support to people in mental health emergencies. Major cell phone carriers are starting to use a technology that will route 988 callers and texters to help centers based on their physical location rather than their phone number’s area code, the Department of Health and Human Services announced today. Federal leaders say the change will help get localized resources to those who need them more efficiently and effectively — and ultimately save lives. It never crossed my mind that with a New Jersey area code, no one would find me if I didn’t give them my address. My cell phone is a major tool for me, as we live way out in the country. Our property is jammed near the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah National Park. Our mailbox, for example, is ½ a mile down the driveway. I like how the article ends with “and ultimately save lives.” That’s what it’s all about. Saving a life is huge but often goes unrecognized. Before this technical innovation, if the operator didn’t induce the caller to share his or her location, they would not get the services they are entitled to. And when that happens, all bets are off. The healthcare operators then need to get information about a caller’s location to provide help and services to the caller. Using only the area code can make the cry for help go unanswered. Unless the caller gives that information to the person at the other end of the line, the caller’s location remains unknown. So, I’m glad to hear that we are taking advantage of our technology as a country to give hope to those in crisis. |
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