Summary: Action to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The FCC order for 988 impacts seven-digit local dialing capabilities in numerous states, including Washington. Ten-digit dialing for eastern Washington’s 509 NPA area code must be implemented. The FCC mandates that the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) promulgate a ten-digit dialing transition plan. The FCC’s rules, WC Docket No. 18-336, In the Matter of Implementation of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 adopted by the FCC on July 16, 2020, require all telecommunications service providers to direct 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.
