Alaska Communications supports 988 suicide prevention hotline with 10-digit dialing

Company also makes donation to local suicide prevention chapter

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Later this year, all local phone calls will require the dialing of all ten digits (907+7-digit number). This nationwide change supports the introduction of 988 abbreviated dialing for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Beginning April 24, 2021, Alaska Communications will begin a six-month transition to help customers prepare for 10-digit dialing, which will be required by the FCC beginning Oct. 24, 2021.

“Changing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s current hotline number into an easy-to-remember 3-digit dialing code will quickly connect people in crisis with life-saving resources,” said Bill Bishop, president and CEO of Alaska Communications. “This is a positive step for our community, as Alaska consistently sees some of the highest suicide rates in the country.”

To further support access to local mental health resources, Alaska Communications will donate $2,500 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Alaska Chapter.

“Generous donations like this help us create and distribute education programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss in Alaska,” said Dustin Morris, area director of AFSP – Alaska. “The continued efforts by Alaska Communications to ensure it remains on track in implementing improvements in accessing life-saving resources such as a three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an important step in fighting suicide.”

988 will be available nationwide starting July 16, 2022. In the meantime, to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

About Alaska Communications
Alaska Communications (NASDAQ: ALSK) is the leading provider of advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and consumers in Alaska. The company operates a highly reliable, advanced statewide data network with the latest technology and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous U.S. For more information, visit www.AlaskaCommunications.com or www.alsk.com.

About American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Alaska Chapter
The grassroots work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide. As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders and many others energize our chapter.

Media Contacts:
Heather Marron, 907-564-1326
Alaska Communications

Dustin Morris, 907-201-9273
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Alaska Chapter