Changes to Dialing
Callers in the U.S. can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. This change was implemented in July 2022 and replaced the previous hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
You can read the FCC’s order adopting 988.
10-digit dialing in Eastern Washington
For 988 to work, the FCC required Washington to implement 10-digit dialing for the 509 area code in Eastern Washington. The rest of Washington already used 10-digit dialing.
Implementation dates:
- April 24, 2021: Anyone calling to or from 509 may start using the area code with dialing (area code + phone number).
- Oct. 24, 2021: Service providers must implement mandatory 10-digit dialing in the 509 area code.
- July 16, 2022: Dialing 988 will connect you directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
No service changes
10-digit dialing did not change:
- Your telephone number or area code.
- The price of a call.
- Coverage areas.
- Rates and services.
- Whether a call is local or long-distance.
- Existing three-digit services such as 911, 711, and 211.
- The existing 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) number.