Call center officials in both states say funding in the past two years has allowed them to increase staffing and improve in-state answer rates in preparation for the new national call line.
The new number routes calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Experts say diverting mental health-related calls will take pressure off of emergency room personnel, 911 operators and law enforcement officers.
Beginning Saturday, Kansans considering suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis will be only 3 digits away from speaking directly to trained counselors available 24/7 and year-round.