Starting this weekend, dialing 988 from any phone line will connect Kansans with a crisis call center staffed by counselors prepared to help them navigate any mental health concern.

The new three-digit dialing code will route callers across the United States to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline starting Saturday. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly signed the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline Infrastructure bill into law in early June, making it possible for Kansans to use the service and establishing behavioral health intervention teams in the state. The mobile crisis teams are partnerships between behavioral health professionals and others who provide community-based crisis intervention services.

The Douglas County Commission granted its approval in April for how connecting with the 988 Lifeline will work locally. Initially, Kansas Suicide Prevention Headquarters will operate the Douglas County Crisis Line through the end of the year.

Until 988 is officially online, people experiencing a crisis should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.