Effective July 16, all phone calls including local calls must dial the area code before the seven-digit phone number. That change was mandated by the Federal Communications Commission to enable the launch of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. After July 16, local calls will not be put through unless the caller starts with the area code. But the change was put in place earlier by Charter Communication services. The provider ordered implementation of 10-digit calling immediately for all Spectrum voice customers in the 775 area code service area. Once the 988 system is up and running, all calls to that three-digit number will automatically be routed to the suicide prevention center. Until then, anyone in crisis can call 800-273-8255 to reach the suicide prevention lifeline.
