Some residents of Kansas will have to dial more numbers when making calls soon

Residents of Kansas that live in the area codes 785 and 620 will soon have to dial ten numbers when making a call, according to a news release from Governor Laura Kelly’s Office.

This process will make it easier for people who are trying to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“Ten-digit dialing will help those in crisis reach the appropriate resources during their time of need,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I encourage all Kansans to get used to using ten-digit dialing during the trial period to avoid any confusion after October 24, 2021.”

The number 988 was approved last July by the Federal Communications Commission as the new abbreviated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated by the FCC to adopt 10-digit dialing. That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. In total, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change.”

It will take time for Kansas residents in these areas to get used to the 10 digit dialing process, so a practice period has been established on April 24.

Calls dialed with 7 digits will still go through during this period.

“Beginning October 24, 2021, callers in 785 and 620 area codes must use 10-digit dialing or the call will not go through. The only exceptions are any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911. Callers will still dial 1 + the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.

Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).”

For more on this change, click here.