Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline expands hours

The Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-TALK) continues to expand hours toward 24/7 coverage.

Last weekend, the organization began taking calls on Saturdays, in addition to its existing 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday hours.

With the expanded hours, trained Idaho phone responders are fielding more calls from Idahoans who are in crisis or suicidal - and connecting them with key resources in their local communities. The hotline also offers follow-up calls to individuals seeking help.

The hotline plans to add Sundays and overnight shifts in the fall.

Outside of Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline operating hours, calls to 1-800-273-TALK (8255) are answered by crisis centers in other states.

The Idaho hotline team trains volunteers - laypersons or professionals - to become trained crisis phone responders. Team members are recruiting for their next training cycle which begins Aug. 2.

Volunteers receive 42 hours of training and apprenticeship, and commit to one 4.5-hour hotline shift per week for one year, and can earn a Certified Crisis Worker credential after one year's service.

To learn more, call (208) 258-6992 or visit www.idahosuicideprevention.org/volunteer.