TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) — Beginning April 24, Kansas residents with area codes 620 and 785 will be asked to dial the complete 10 digit phone number to make a call.
The 10 digit number will be required to make any phone calls that previously could be dialed with seven digits.
Residents are encouraged to begin dialing the 10 numbers starting April 24. However, calls will still go through with seven digits until Oct. 24, at which time the area code for local calls will be mandatory. After Oct. 24, 2021, callers who do not dial the 10 digit number will not be able to complete the call.
The changes are being made to accommodate the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline which will be 988.
Some areas codes, like 620 and 785 in Kansas, have 988 as the first 3 digits of their 7-digit phone numbers. Once 988 becomes the suicide hotline, if someone tries to dial 988-XXXX, they will reach the hotline instead of the person they are trying to reach.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be using the new three-digit number, 988, to immediately connect callers to suicide prevention hotlines. To use the 988 number, it will be necessary to adopt 10 digit phone numbers. On July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will put you through to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.
