More Kansans are reaching out for mental help since the inception of the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

 Governor Laura Kelly says 9-8-8 has handled a nearly 27% increase in call volume compared to the six months before its launch. Based on national projections, 9-8-8 is estimated to reach 120,000 Kansans in the hotline’s first full year of operation.

 Governor Kelly signed Senate Bill 19 in June 2022, creating the state’s three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 Calls, texts, or chats to 9-8-8 involving thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or other kinds of emotional distress are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers can also receive the immediate support of mobile crisis teams in cases of extreme risk, referral to local mental health services, and resources for follow-up care.

 Kelly encourages Kansans to tell family members, friends, and neighbors that this resource is here for them whenever they need it.