HeadQuarters Kansas has been reachable at 841-2345 for decades. Starting next week, that will no longer be the case, and all crisis calls will need to go to 988.
The local nonprofit is the main call center for the state of Kansas, operating 24/7 to help people experiencing mental health crises.
Crisis support will be available through phone call or text to 988. The service won’t otherwise change, and local calls will still reach the same HeadQuarters employees and volunteers.
Calls to 988 from phones with local area codes and from cellphones through the three major cell service companies — Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T — will be routed to the local call center, HeadQuarters staff members told the Douglas County Commission earlier this year.
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Phones with different area codes from smaller cell service providers, such as Cricket Wireless or Boost Mobile, may be routed to call centers located in the phone’s area code.
“This transition strengthens our foundation and ensures we can continue serving Kansans in crisis in years ahead,” HeadQuarters Interim Director Dan Watkins said in a recent news release from the nonprofit.
“With encouragement from our local and state partners, we’re consolidating our services under the nationally supported 988 system to provide greater long-term stability and sustainability,” Watkins said.
The change will take effect Wednesday, Dec. 31. Callers who dial the local number after Dec. 31 will receive a message telling them to call 988.
Note: Parts of this article were originally published on Dec. 11. We are posting again as a reminder to readers.
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Get mental health help in Lawrence
These resources are available 24/7 if you or someone you know needs immediate mental health help:
• Douglas County Treatment and Recovery Center: 785-843-9192; 1000 W. Second St. in Lawrence; trcdgks.org
• Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center: 785-843-9192; bertnash.org
• HeadQuarters Kansas: 988; hqkansas.org
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988; veterans, press 1
• SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator and Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
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