New Mexico will make its mental health hotline available statewide starting Friday.
Gov. Susana Martinez announced the expansion of the helpline Wednesday, saying the first step to addressing a mental health crisis is ensuring easy access to services.
Starting Feb. 1, she says the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line will be available across New Mexico at 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474).
The crisis line will be staffed by mental health professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It has previously been available in some of the state's more densely populated areas.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.