LAKE COUNTY, Ohio – If you have a 440 area code, you will need to change the way you dial the number.
With the rollout of the new three-digit National Suicide Prevention Hotline, the 440 area code was identified as one of two Ohio area codes that will have to change the way they call locally. The other area code is 513 in the Cincinnati area.
“The new rules will apply to all telecom providers and to all interconnected and one-way Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers. They provide for a two-year transition and reflect the real challenges of this nationwide effort, including the need for widespread network changes and providing time for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to prepare for the expected increase in calls Under these rules, calls to 988 will be forwarded to 1-800-273-TALK, which will remain operational during 988 transition and after it is completed, ” the FCC said in a statement.
Starting April 24, you must use your area code before the phone number for the call to go through if you have a 440 area code.
According to the FCC, seven-digit calls are yet to be completed, but they will stop working after Oct. 24.
Starting July 16, 2022, calling “988” will direct you to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.
RELATED: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will have a 3-digit dial