Federal Communications Commission, callers in 82 area codes will have to punch in their recipient’s area code before dialing their phone number.
Local phone calls made without the area code may not be connected.The FCC is making the change to pave the way for a nationwide three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Launching July 16, 2022, callers can be connected to suicide prevention and mental health counselors by dialing "988."A vintage rotary dial telephone for sale at a flea market in the Chelsea district of New York City. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images) "To help facilitate the creation of "988", area codes that use "988" as a local exchange, or the first three digits of a seven-digit phone number, will need to use.