ADVANCE NOTICE (Sept 2021)
Starting on July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 988. It has not yet been determined if this will be available via text. Before 988 can be implemented, phone carriers need to go to 10-digit dialing in some area codes. See more info below.

FCC fact sheets
English fact sheet - https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/988-fact-sheet.pdf
Spanish fact sheet - https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/988-fact-sheet-spanish.pdf

TO PREPARE FOR 988 IMPLEMENTATION
Beginning October 24, 2021, to complete all local calls people in affected area codes will need to dial area code + telephone number. This applies to all calls within affected area codes that are currently dialed with seven digits. Some people may need to dial 1 before the area code and phone number. Affected area codes in California are 209, 530, 562, 626, 650, 707, 925, 949, 951. Upcoming Transitions to Ten-Digit Dialing: Where and When? - https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/ten-digit-dialing

Overview
There are 82 area codes in 35 states and one U.S. territory that currently use "988" as their local exchange and allow seven-digit dialing. A local exchange, also known as a central office code, is the first three numbers of a seven-digit telephone number. To prepare for implementation of a quick way to dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – using only "988" to connect callers to the Lifeline – these area codes must transition to ten-digit dialing for all calls, including local calls. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator has a list of the states and area codes that will be affected. You can check the list to find out if your area code is one that will be transitioning: https://nationalnanpa.com/transition_to_10_digit_dialing_for_988/docs/NPAsRequiredtoTransitionto10DD.pdf.

What is the New Dialing Procedure?
If you have one of the affected area codes, beginning on October 24, 2021, you must dial ten digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not connect, 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 seven-digit number.
Ten-digit dialing for local calls has been enabled in these area codes since April 24, 2021, and you can begin dialing ten digits anytime. Seven-digit local calls will still be completed prior to October 24, 2021.

Websites:

• Upcoming Transitions to Ten-Digit Dialing: Where and When? - FCC https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/ten-digit-dialing
• More information - FCC - https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline
• List of states and area codes that will be affected. You can check the list to find out if your area code is one that will be transitioning. - North American Numbering Plan Administrator - https://nationalnanpa.com/transition_to_10_digit_dialing_for_988/docs/NPAsRequiredtoTransitionto10DD.pdf