Canada’s 988 hotline, which gives people access to suicide prevention services via call or text, is now live.
People in every province and territory who are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate, real-time support can use the three-digit number.
The line will be answered by responders who are as close to your location as possible.
988 is easy to remember if you are in crisis and provides bilingual support from trained responders to give crisis support and suicide prevention tips.
An average of 12 people per day die by suicide in Canada while more than 200 attempt suicide, according to Statistics Canada.
“We see people in our communities struggling every day,” says Margaret Eaton, CMHA National CEO. “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 is available by phone and text 24/7, even on holidays.
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