Mandatory 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) will begin October 24 in Virginia area codes 804 and 276.
The dialing changes are needed to accommodate the new three-digit dialing number – 988 – for the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL), a critical emergency resource that connects Americans in crisis to suicide prevention and mental health counselors. It can currently be reached any time day or night at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). Dialing the NSPL will get even easier starting July 16, 2022, when a three-digit number – 988 – begins operation. The new number was approved by the Federal Communications Commission last year.
During and after the transition to 988, the NSPL will continue to be available at the longer phone number, 1-800-273-8255, as well. Other three-digit dialing services such as 211, 711, 811, and 911 will not be affected. Telephone numbers, area code numbers, coverage areas and local call boundaries will remain the same.
For more information about phone service changes resulting from the NSPL’s upcoming 988 number, visit the FCC website at fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline or the SCC website at https://www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/988-Preparation.
