Starting Sunday, Oct. 24, folks in Kansas’ 785 and 620 area codes will need to dial all 10 digits to make local calls.
The federal government has authorized the number 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to create quicker access to assistance, like 911 calls in an emergency. That change aims to reduce barriers for those who need help, but it means that more than 80 area codes in 35 states will need to use 10-digit dialing systems.
The abbreviated 988 number for the hotline won’t be activated until July 16, 2022. Until then, people in crisis can continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) for assistance. Assistance and resources are also available via the lifeline’s website at this link.
The change applies to all types of phones and dialing systems.
Below is a PDF with more information about the dialing change from the Kansas Corporation Commission.
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