Minnesota Launches Four National Suicide Hotline Call Centers

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(KNSI) – Four new call centers are coming online in Minnesota to help people who call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

$1.2 million in funding set aside by the 2019 Minnesota Legislature will support the four call centers around the state.

When someone calls the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, they are routed to a call center in their area first. A national call center exists in case the service can’t answer a call locally.

Governor Tim Walz’s office says that the state has been without a local National Suicide Prevention Hotline call center since 2018. In 2019, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received more than 32,000 calls from Minnesotans.

“Mental health is the cornerstone to everything in our lives, and receiving quick access to counselors who are local and in your community is sometimes the difference that we need to choose hope,” Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan said. “If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. No topic is off-limits, and no concern is too small. There’s no shame in asking for support. If you are struggling or are worried about a friend, there is help, and there is hope.”

Walz’s office did not specify where each call center will be located, but they will be operated by Carver County; First Link, which serves North Dakota and parts of Minnesota; First Call for Help, based in Grand Rapids; and the Greater Twin Cities United Way, located in Minneapolis.

The free, confidential support service can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Other crisis resources for Minnesotans include the Crisis Text Line (text “MN” to 741741) and calling **274747.

Crisis hotlines for specific communities include The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 and the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline at 883-600-2670.

More mental health resources are available through NAMI Minnesota.