(800) 273-TALK After six years without one, Idaho will once again have a state suicide prevention hotline beginning at 1 p.m. Monday.

Expansion coming The lines will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Organizers plan to add Fridays in 2013 as more volunteers are trained. The number is available at all times, but calls will be routed to crisis centers outside the state in off-hours. The plan is to have Idaho’s line open 24/7 eventually.

Training for Idaho’s call volunteers The preparation for workers came through a two-day suicide-prevention program that is internationally recognized.

An intense need Idaho has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. Last month, hotline organizers say, there were 400 calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline originating in Idaho.

Help sustain the project After years of work, enough money is in place to keep the line running for two years. But donors and volunteers are still needed. Go to www.facebook.com/idahosuicideprevention to find out how to help.