ISU Hot Line Numbers
In general, Iowans find Iowa State University Extension resources helpful. But sometimes a human voice and an immediate response to a question or concern are needed — and then Iowans turn to ISU Extension hotlines.
Hotline callers are greeted by well-prepared and friendly staff with experience in counseling. Iowa residents can call Hortline (515-294-3108), Families Answer Line (800-262-3804), PORKLine (800-808-7675), BETS OFF (800-238-7633) and Iowa Healthy Families (800-369-2229) with subject-specific questions. Other ISU Extension hotlines are open beyond Iowa borders and provide counseling and referral services. They include Farm On (877-BFC-1999), Iowa Concern (800-447-1985 ) and Teen Line (800-443-8336).
Iowa Concern (800-447-1985)
Financial questions, legal issues and family transitions are some of the things Iowa Concern callers ask about when they call 1-800-447-1985. Iowa Concern, a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week hotline, is an extension-managed call center with certified informational and referral staff. The hotline’s counselors, legal expert and registered nurse are available to answer questions about anything from disaster services to divorce to stress. The hotline experts treat every issue individually and take the time to address the steps, underlying issues and outside resources to support every Iowan.
Iowa Concern Frequently Asked Questions — learn more about Iowa Concern services
Finance: Taking Control of Your Money — an online extension money management course
Legal: Department of Iowa Revenue — links to tax preparation helps
Adversity: Overcoming Adversity — links identified by Iowa Concern as good resources
Teen Line (800-443-8336)
Teen Line offers confidential personal and health-related information and referrals to teens and parents. While not considered a “crisis” line, calls are answered by extension hotline professionals, with funding from the Department of Public Health. Teen issues like stress, relationships, health and sexual activity can be difficult to discuss; sometimes a phone call makes it easier. Both teens and parents call Teen Line with questions, concerns and issues. Below are ISU Extension publications and links posted on the Teen Line website about common issues addressed by Teen Line counselors.
Parenting Young Teens — a link to the Extension Online Store that highlights a series of publications for parents of teens
Girls Inc: Celebrating Girls’ Voices — a website that inspires girls to be strong, smart and bold
National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy — resources are specific to the topic of teen pregnancy
BETS OFF (800-BETS-OFF) (800-238-7633)
Persons with gambling problems, family members and concerned others can receive help statewide through a network of agencies that provide problem gambling services. They can reach those services by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF. Problem gamblers come from many backgrounds; be rich or poor, young or old. It happens in small towns or big cities. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, get help. Hotline staff understand the struggles that a gambling problem can bring and are ready to connect you to gambling counseling providers around the state. In addition to the hotline, the BETS OFF website provides numerous resources to help those with a gambling addiction take the first step and learn more about their options. National Center for Responsible Gambling — list of organizations that help individuals and families
National Council on Problem Gambling — additional resources in Iowa for those with a gambling problem
Gambling Facts and Myths — lets the visitor learn gambling facts by playing games
Iowa Gambling Prevention and Treatment Program — website managed by Iowa Department of Public Health in conjunction with 1-800-BETS-OFF
Families Answer Line (800-262-3804)
Running a household and raising a family comes with countless struggles, big and small. A call to ISU Extension Families Answer Line can help. Professional consumer and family scientists answer questions about child development, cleaning, consumer management, food preparation, food preservation, food safety, home environment, household equipment, nutrition, textiles and laundry. Check out the links below for additional resources for pesky, everyday household problems.
Answer Line Video — meet one of the people that answers calls at 1-800-262-3804
Answer Line Cleaning Q& A — website with frequently asked questions
Answer Line Food Preservation Q & A — website with frequently asked questions
Answer Line Laundry Q & A — web page of frequently asked questions
Author: Date: 3/2/2011
