Canadian News

New 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Launches in Canada

On November 30, 2023 a new suicide prevention service became available across Canada. People anywhere in the country can now call and text 9-8-8 if they are thinking of suicide, if they are in need of crisis support, or if they are worried about someone they know. The new service offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming support to anyone who uses it.

No one who contacts the 9-8-8 service will be turned away.

In 2022,the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) made the decision that Canada would have a three-digit service for emotional distress and suicide prevention. The CRTC chose 9-8-8 as its national three-digit number, the same number already in use in the United States.

The federal government asked the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to take the lead on the implementation of 9-8-8. CAMH is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and other key partners.

If you are in Canada, calling or texting 9-8-8 will connect you with a trained responder who will listen without judgement.

Crisis services provided by 9-8-8:
  • A number that’s easy to remember in a crisis situation.
  • Support in English and in French, by phone and text.
  • Quick access to support from trained responders, available 24/7/365.
  • High quality, evidence-based, equitable suicide prevention and crisis support for everyone in Canada.

There is support in English and in French, by phone and text 24/7/365.

According to the CAMH website, “9-8-8 is made possible by a network of 39 experienced local, provincial and territorial, and national crisis lines and helplines across the country—including Kids Help Phone and Hope for Wellness—whose trained responders will answer calls and texts, while also connecting people to a responder in their community. They will be there to help and listen when people need it most.”

Click here for more information about 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.

Our thanks to Lynn McLaughlin for her assistance with this article.

Image by Semevent from Pixabay

 

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