First Call, formerly called the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, was founded in 1958 to serve the Kansas City metropolitan area.

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Fast facts about First Call: 

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• 12,000: The number of people First Call provides services to annually, working in collaboration with schools, legal systems, and neighborhood coalitions 

• 24/7 Crisis Line: First Call’s Crisis Call Line operates continuously to connect people with the lifesaving resources they need 

• Mental Health Referrals: First Call provides mental health first aid and referrals to people experiencing behavioral health crises. We also provide counseling and resources for the people who are impacted by a loved one’s substance use disorder. 

• Recovery Advocates: No one should face addiction alone. First Call’s  recovery advocates provide support to those navigating a complex path to recovery.

• Family Services: First Call’s family service counselors provide support and resources for families and loved ones impacted by substance use disorder. 

• Prevention Specialists: We can break the cycle of addiction through educating the next generation. Our prevention specialists implement evidence-based programs in schools to prevent the impact of substance use disorder impacting future generations. 

• Community Outreach: First Call community outreach staff and volunteers provide trainings and operate informational booths to raise awareness and improve access;

• Harm Reduction Specialists: Harm reductionists provide life-affirming strategies to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol and drugs and reduce overdose deaths.