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CMHA NS welcomes the creation of 9-8-8, the three-digit suicide prevention line
Nov 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE: Beginning today, people anywhere in Canada can call and text 9-8-8 if they are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone who is.
9-8-8 is a national three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress support providing people in Canada with free access to 24/7/365, bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate suicide prevention support by phone and text.
Every day in Canada, an average of 12 people die by suicide.[1] Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34.[2] Research shows that suicides are preventable, and that telephone crisis services, and online counselling can help save lives.[3]
“We see people in our communities struggling every day,” says CMHA National CEO Margaret Eaton.
“The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is an important step towards addressing Canada’s mental health crisis and creating a country where mental health is a universal human right.”
9-8-8 provides:
- A number that is easy-to-remember in a crisis.
- Bilingual support, available 24/7/365 by phone and text.
- Quick access to support from trained responders.
- High quality, evidence-based, equitable suicide prevention and crisis support for everyone in Canada.
“The Canadian Mental Health Association applauds and thanks the Government of Canada for investing in 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline and has been pleased to participate in an advisory and consultative capacity throughout the development of the initiative,” Eaton adds.
“CMHA will continue to play a leading role in delivering services across the crisis continuum – from crisis prevention to in-person community-based crisis response services– and will continue to advocate for more investment for mental health.”
To learn more about 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, visit 988.ca/about.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Contact Erin Christie, Provincial Lead, Communications and Community Engagement Lead
CMHA NS Division