10 Digit Phone Calls Coming to Eastern Washington

We're all going to 10 digit phone numbers here in the 509.

Starting October 24, eastern Washington will be transitioning to 10-digit dialing as well as several other area codes across the U.S.

The change comes because of a new emergency number, 988, has been created for mental health crises and suicide prevention.

In order for “988” to work, the Federal Communications Commission says 82 area codes in 35 states must make a change, because they use “988” as their local exchange and allow seven-digit dialing.