by KTVB.COM

KTVB.COM

Posted on June 27, 2013 at 10:55 AM

Updated today at 1:04 PM

BOISE — Just a year ago, Idahoans in need of emotional support had no local hotline to call when faced with suicidal feelings or thoughts.

Now, just months after staffing a call center to help those in need, the Idaho Suicide Prevention hotline will add an evening shift to its hours of operation.

The hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK.

The newly expanded hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning July 1.

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation and St. Luke’s Health system gave gifts of $37,500 each to fund the expansion.

Those in need of help can call the hotline, and will be connected to trained Idaho phone responders who can refer them to key resources in their communities. The ISPH also will be able to offer follow-up calls to individuals seeking help.