The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that a new three-digit number, 988, be available nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. In order for 988 to work in Alaska, (907 area code), 10-digit local dialing must first be implemented.
Starting October 24, 2021 you must dial the 10 digit number to complete all local calls in Alaska.
You will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all long distance calls. You can still dial 911 to reach emergency services in your community.
Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route your call to National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline
988 Adoption plan
On July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The rules require phone service providers These rules apply to all telecommunications carriers and interconnected voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, including one-way VoIP providers.
Timeline
- Beginning April 24, 2021, you should begin dialing 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. If you forget and dial just 7 digits, your call will still be completed.
- Beginning October 24, 2021, you must dial 10-digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7-digits may not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. You must hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number.
- Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route your call to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
During the transition to 988, Americans who need help should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or texting 838255.
Important Links:
- Complete list of affected area codes: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-371188A2.pdf
- 988 Fact Sheet
- NANPA information for local government and community organizations