To better serve Kentuckians seeking assistance related to substance use issues, the KY HELP Statewide Call Center has expanded its hours of operation by 90 minutes effective January 2, 2024.

Screening & Referral Specialists will now be available from 7 am to 10 pm (Eastern) Monday through Friday. The extended morning hours represent the time of day when most “missed” calls are received, said KY HELP Statewide Call Center Director Jamie Gilliam.

For now, Saturday and Sunday hours will remain from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Operation UNITE staffs the KY HELP Statewide Call Center, a toll-free line providing personalized, compassionate assistance and resources for Kentuckians seeking help for a substance use disorder and offering support to their families.

Individuals seeking treatment for themselves or others – as well as family members who have questions or are in need of support – can call 1-8338-KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357) toll-free and speak with a specialist about available services most relevant to their needs.

Calls received outside the posted hours are monitored and, if a crisis situation arises, staff will attempt to provide immediate assistance regardless of the time of day, Gilliam stated. Otherwise, calls are returned the next business day.

Since its opening on December 1, 2017, through the end of November 2023, KY HELP staff have received more than 24,500 inquiries and referred nearly 5,400 individuals to treatment. In addition, staff has made more than 53,000 calls to follow-up with requests.

Outreach services are provided by KY HELP staff for up to one year. All calls are kept confidential.

In addition to the toll-free number, individuals may also receive assistance via email to KYHELP@OperationUNITE.org.