A three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will go into effect nationwide starting Saturday, July 16.
The launch date was set by Congress with the passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act in 2020. The legislation required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 988 as a new three-digit dialing code to connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the U.S.
Callers will still be able to reach the lifeline via the existing number 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
The creation of the three-digit code is intended to make it easier for people to access help during times of crisis, according to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).
“While some areas may be currently able to connect to the lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code is now available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16,” stated the UTC in a news release.
To help prepare for the launch of the new line, telecommunications companies in Eastern Washington implemented dialing changes in October 2021, requiring callers to include the three-digit area code when placing a call. Western Washington already made this switch in 2017, according to the UTC.
Also starting July 16, calls placed without an area code will not work in Washington.
“Callers in Eastern Washington without landlines or other affected devices may not have noticed the change, but now all calls placed in Washington must include the area code,” stated the UTC in a news release.
These changes will not affect the price of calls, coverage areas, whether a call is local or long-distance, rates and services, or any other existing three-digit lines such as 911, 711 and 211, according to the UTC.
