The new mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline is now active.
The three-digit number, 9-8-8, replaces a 10-digit one, making access easier.
Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Ya’ara Saks says support will be available 24 hours a day.
“Nine, eight, eight suicide crisis helpline is now available across Canada in both English and French, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People in crisis can now access help by phone or by text, no matter where they live in this country. This line, at the end of the day, is really about meeting each and every one of the Canadians who are struggling across our country, where they are and when they need us,” says Saks.
The line is being managed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and replaces a former 10-digit number to improve access.
It took nearly three years to implement.
Telecommunication providers were required to implement 10-digit dialling for the new phone number to work.
Chief Executive Officer with CAMH, Dr. Allison Crawford, says over 1,000 people also had to be trained to respond to the expected calls and texts.
“Some are paid, some are volunteer. And we’ve been working hard at CAMH with all of the partners, the 39 partners over the last year, to make sure that we have enough responders to answer calls. That’s going to be an ongoing process. We are constantly looking for people interested in this work,” says Dr. Crawford.
It is estimated that approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide.
Dr. Crawford says helplines can work to reduce that number.
“Wherever people feel alone, we need to establish a connection. And we know that suicide prevention helplines can do just that. They help establish supportive connections that save lives. That’s why. . . the launch of Canada’s 988 suicide crisis helpline holds so much hope and so much promise,” says Dr. Crawford.
The federal government announced this summer that it will provide $156 million over the next three years for the implementation and operation of the 988 helpline.
