The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) announces that, starting November 30, 2023, people across Canada will be able to call and text 9-8-8, a new three-digit service, for help when they need it most. 9-8-8 will be free for anyone in Canada who is thinking about suicide, in emotional distress, or who is worried about someone they know.
In the face of increased demand for crisis services, 9-8-8 will provide:
- 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.
In 2021, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) began a public consultation to determine if Canada should have a three-digit service for suicide prevention. Their 2022 decision states: Canada will adopt 9-8-8 as its national three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress, the same number that’s already in use in the United States.
Based on CAMH’s work on Talk Suicide Canada, the federal government asked CAMH to lead the implementation of 9-8-8. Thus, CAMH, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and other key partners are working together to make sure that 9-8-8 is ready to launch across the country on November 30, 2023.
CAMH and PHAC have onboarded a large cohort of organizations to the 9-8-8 network. These organizations are already providing crisis and suicide prevention services within their communities and nationally. By joining the 9-8-8 network, they will start taking 9-8-8 calls and texts in addition to their existing services. All 9-8-8 responders are trained to support people who reach out, by being there to help and listen when people need it most.
Published By: CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Publication Date: November 30, 2023
Click here to learn more about Canada’s 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
