Agency Overview

First Call has a mission to reduce the impact of alcohol, drugs and other addictions by providing prevention, referral and education services to individuals, families and the community. Since 1958, First Call has maintained a tradition of providing services that address substance abuse and related issues. Through information, education, prevention, referral and assessment services, First Call helps those suffering from substance use disorders.

First Call was founded in 1958 as a non-profit organization to serve the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. At that time it was the only agency of its kind in the community. The primary focus was to disseminate information on alcoholism as a disease and to find resources for treatment. Program emphasis has expanded beyond alcoholism to include the broad range of substance abuse disorders.

Today First Call publishes a directory listing how to access services to over 200 substance abuse services in the metro area and is a key catalyst for building community Management Information Systems (MIS) capacity among related substance abuse, health care, mental health and supportive service providers.

In its mission to serve individuals, families, and the community, First Call currently provides an independent assessment service for those with a substance use disorders; a psycho-educational program for those living in families where someone is abusing or addicted to alcohol or other drugs; assessment and services for inmates; and prevention services for the general community.

For the public, First Call provides comprehensive community education services extending from a speakers’ bureau to website offerings directed toward greater public awareness and participation. First Call also partners with Park University to provide continuing education and certification courses thought the Professional Development Institute. Central to the agency’s community outreach, First Call operates a 24/7 Crisis Call Hotline to serve those seeking help in the greater Kansas City area.