West Virginia joined the national initiative to shorten the suicide and crisis lifeline to the digits 988. First Choice Services operates 15 helplines in West Virginia and is in charge of the new 988 number, which became active on Saturday. The launch of the new service has resulted in 75 new job positions at the First Choice Services Charleston office. Over time officials expect calls to the line will triple. West Virginia ranks 10th in the nation in suicides according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It’s the 12th-leading cause of death for West Virginians, and second for those ages 10-to-34.