Kansans and all Americans can soon call 9-8-8 during a mental health and substance abuse emergency. July 16th is the launch date for the official 24/7 three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Governor Laura Kelly ceremoniously signed Senate Bill 19 yesterday.
The bipartisan legislation was made possible by the Lifeline’s 9-8-8 State Planning Grant through the nonprofit Vibrant Emotional Health. This allowed for the building of infrastructure and to grow access to the 3-digit number. Part of SB 19 allocates $10 million in general state funds to be appropriated every July 1 to fund 9-8-8. There will be no access fee for Kansans.
