By John Sharp
The KCMO Health Department has launched a new 24-hour helpline designed to help youth avoid violent situations.
The new program is designed specifically to help youth in crisis.
The trained anti-violence professionals who make up the violence prevention outreach team that staffs the 24-hour Y Chat helpline answers both calls and texts to communicate with youth in the way the youth are most comfortable with.
Youth who want to avoid violent situations, have feelings about acting out or are struggling with what to do in a situation that could lead to violence may call or text 816-799-1720 any hour of the day.
The ordinance establishing the new youth violence prevention program was sponsored by Councilwoman Melissa Robinson and co-sponsored by Mayor Quinton Lucas and Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. It passed the City Council without dissent.