Providers across the country are taking the steps to prepare their networks and customers for the implementation of a nationwide three-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is scheduled to launch in 2022. To lay the groundwork for the service, the FCC directed connectivity providers nationwide to require 10-digit dialing.
Heather Handyside, Vice President of Corporate Communications for GCI said that that October 24th deadline is looming:
“Regardless of where you live in Alaska or who you are calling and where they live, callers will need to dial 907 before completing the rest of the number. They’re going to need the area code just as you would when you are calling a number in the lower 48. The reason that we are doing this is that the FCC, which is a national organization that oversees all telecommunication policies and guidelines for the nation, they are working to implement a national three-digit suicide prevention hotline. That number is not active yet and not in service, but that number will be 988. Because there were numbers in Alaska, folks phone numbers that began with 988, we had to transition into a full ten-digit dialing process just so that people wouldn’t inadvertently call the 988 number and not be able to connect with someone when they did need help for suicide prevention. We have begun to implement the process. People now can begin to dial 907 when calling other numbers in the state.”
Handyside said that by that deadline later this month, some Alaskans will have to dial the full ten-digit phone number:
“There will be some communities where you will have to and other communities you won’t. The reason is that we are gradually transitioning and kind of flipping the switch, if you will, in different communities across the state. We will be turning that up gradually in the coming months. For some communities, beginning on October 23rd, you will have to and what we are recommending, just to be safe, everyone will have to dial 907.”
The FCC’s order to establish a three-digit nationwide suicide prevention number will give mental health resources the same priority given to other emergency services associated with 911. The service is expected to launch nationwide in mid-2022.
Alaska’s suicide rate is more than twice the national average and is even higher in rural areas. In these areas, where there can be little to no access to in-person resources, online and phone mental health resources are critical.
NOTE – The GCI press release specifically says October 24th, even though Handyside was quoted as saying the 23rd.