Ten-digit telephone numbers, even for local calls, go into effect Sunday in area codes 620 and 785.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced the change earlier this year, saying the change will make it easier for persons in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the future.

“Ten-digit dialing will help those in crisis reach the appropriate resources during their time of need,” Kelly said in April. “I encourage all Kansans to get used to using 10-digit dialing during the trial period to avoid any confusion after October 24, 2021.”

The Federal Communications Commission approved 988 as the new abbreviated number for the national hotline in July of 2020. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated by the FCC to adopt 10-digit dialing. That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state.

Gorham Telephone Company uses the 988 exchange in Dorrance and a mobile service uses it in the Coffeyville area. In total, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change.

Calls with 7 digits continued to go through during the transition but as of Sunday callers in 785 and 630 area codes must use 10-digit dialing or the call will not go through. For example, the Great Bend Tribune telephone number is 620-792-1211, even if the call is coming from Great Bend.

The only exceptions are any three-digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911. Callers will still dial 1 + the area code and telephone number for all long-distance calls.

Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).