State Launches Text-to-911 Campaign

The N.C. 911 Board has launched a statewide campaign to raise awareness of Text-to-911, a service that allows people to contact emergency dispatchers by text message when calling 911 is not possible or safe.

Nate Denny, secretary of the N.C. Department of Information Technology and the state’s chief information officer, said the campaign is intended to ensure residents know the service is available when a voice call is not an option.

The 16-week campaign will air on broadcast television, streaming platforms and mobile streaming services across North Carolina. Its message is: “Call if you can, text if you can’t.”

Text-to-911 is intended for situations in which someone cannot safely make a voice call, including medical emergencies that prevent speaking, dangerous situations where talking could increase the risk of harm, or for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities.

“When calling is not possible or safe, texting gives people another lifeline to reach trained 911 professionals who are ready to respond,” said L.V. Pokey Harris, executive director of the N.C. 911 Board.

According to the board, emergency communications centers across North Carolina received more than 70,000 Text-to-911 messages in 2025.