Suicide Crisis Line
CMHA welcomes the creation of 9-8-8, the three-digit suicide prevention line.
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.
The three-digit suicide prevention helpline will be answered by responders who are as close to home as possible. Ten branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association will be part of a network of roughly 40 partners answering the national crisis line. These local CMHAs have expertise in providing community-based crisis response, including crisis lines, mobile crisis response and other related mental health services.
Every day in Canada, an average of 12 people die by suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34. Research shows that suicides are preventable, and that telephone crisis services, and online counselling can help save lives.
“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 provides:
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.
The three-digit suicide prevention helpline will be answered by responders who are as close to home as possible. Ten branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association will be part of a network of roughly 40 partners answering the national crisis line. These local CMHAs have expertise in providing community-based crisis response, including crisis lines, mobile crisis response and other related mental health services.
Every day in Canada, an average of 12 people die by suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34. Research shows that suicides are preventable, and that telephone crisis services, and online counselling can help save lives.
“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 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