POMEROY–The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline contact number will change to the “988” dialing system be changing in the near future, according to information provided by Scott Zaval of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department. Currently, 1-800-273-8255 is the crisis number, and veterans should Press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Crisis Line. This hotline provides suicide prevention and mental health crisis assistance via phone and online chats. Veterans can also get help at veteranscrisisline.net.

The FCC adopted rules on July 16, 2021, to establish “988” as the new, nationwide, easy-to-remember 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The timeline for transition to ten-digit dialing went into effect on April 24, 2021, to get consumers accustomed to dialing the area code plus the seven-digit number for all local calls.

Beginning October 24, 2021, consumers must dial 10-digits (area code plus telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not be completed, and a recording will inform that the call cannot be completed as dialed. Consumers must hang up and dial again using the area code and the seven-digit number.

Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In the meantime, anyone in the United States experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress should call 1-800-273-8255.