National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 in service

As of July 15, some U.S. area codes will need to dial 10-digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. This change supports the national launch of the new 988 – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The FCC released a statement that “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect with mental health professionals with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline which serves our nation’s Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

Too many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. There are urgent mental health realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes—and for people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death.

There is hope. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers that helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. These centers are supported by local and state sources as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect to mental health professionals with the Lifeline network.

To learn more about the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration’s 988 resources and information to help spread the word, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/.

At the moment, the 10-digit dialing report on the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) only states numbers within the 501 area code listed as “1+10 digit permissible at each service provider’s discretion,” for Arkansas. Neither the 479 or 870 Arkansas area codes show a change from the standard seven digit dialing.