The State of Illinois is launching a crisis hotline this weekend and a local law enforcement official is here to tell us all about it.

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker indicates the hotline will be a division of the Illinois Department of Human Services and gives someone in crisis access to a trained profession 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Encounters for law enforcement with a component of mental health have increased a great deal in recent years and Sheriff Walker says the unfortunate reality is the access to help for those individuals has declined, especially in DeWitt County.

The 9-8-8 crisis hotline launches Saturday, July 16. The line is confidential and free and will be available 24/7. 

If you need help before Saturday, please call 800-273-8255.