Those who have the 6-2-0 area code will have to switch to ten-digit dialing soon.

 

The reason behind this is the Federal Communications Commission recently announced it's making 9-8-8 the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. Some phone numbers with the 6-2-0 area code have seven-digit numbers that start with 9-8-8. According to the FCC, to ensure that all 9-8-8 calls go to the hotline, even local calls with a 6-2-0 area code will need to dial all ten digits.

 

This will go into effect on April 24th, however, seven-digit dialing will still be completed if using 6-2-0. Starting October 24th, those calls will not be completed. This rule is affecting 80 different area codes in the United States including two in the state of Kansas with the other being 7-8-5.

 

The FCC expects to be fully transitioned to the new suicide prevention number by July 16th, 2022, and calls to 9-8-8 made on or after that date will be routed to the national hotline. During the transition, Americans who need help or are experiencing suicidal thoughts should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255, or 1-800-273-TALK.

 

Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to information provided by the FCC.