The 988 hotline is going live in Kansas. Here is what to know about the suicide prevention tool.

Starting Saturday, Kansans will have a much simpler way of getting help for themselves or someone in mental health crisis: dial 988.

The 988 suicide prevention hotline has been in the works nationally since Congress laid the groundwork in 2020, though it is up to states to fund and support the work. It will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The idea is to help residents more easily remember how to access mental health support.

“With 9-8-8, we are on the path to reversing our country’s mental health crisis and getting Kansans the help they need,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement announcing the hotline going live. “Just as every American knows to call 9-1-1 in times of emergency, every American — and every Kansan — will soon know to call 9-8-8 when they or a loved one is facing a mental health or substance abuse crisis.”