MISSOULA — The Lifeguard Group's new Human Trafficking Hotline is set to launch on Monday. People in need of assistance will be able to call 833-406-STOP.
About 130 volunteers have already signed up to get trained and staff the phone and chat lines. Montana currently has 65 active missing persons searches underway, according to the Gianforte Foundation, which helped fund the hotline.
The Lifeguard Group is partnering with local and state agencies, law enforcement, and missing persons task forces throughout the state to coordinate efforts. Organizers say a while national hotline is available, a state hotline will provide victims more immediate help.
"That response time for us to be able to get out to these rural communities and respond, it could save a life, as opposed to us getting there 10 minutes late or three days later," explained Lifeguard Group outreach director Carson Hocchalter.
People interested in volunteering can click here for more information.
