9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, Canada’s three-digit number for anyone who is thinking about suicide or worried about someone they know, has now answered more than one million calls and texts.
9-8-8is led and coordinated by CAMH and delivered in collaboration with crisis line partners across the country. The service was launched in November 2023 with funding from the federal government. The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, recently announced continued funding for the service until March 2028.
Suicide continues to be a significant public health issue in Canada, with around 13 people dying by suicide every day, and many more impacted by that loss.
“Each of these one million calls and texts represents someone who took that step to reach out for support and a trained responder who met them with empathy and compassion”, said Dr. Allison Crawford, Chief Medical Officer for 9-8-8. “We are proud that we have been able to be there for people when they really needed it.”
“We’re deeply grateful to 9-8-8 Partners, responders, and the Public Health Agency of Canada for the roles they have played in bringing 9-8-8 to this milestone” continued Dr. Crawford.
If you are thinking about suicide or worried about someone you know, you can call or text 9-8-8 anytime. The service is available free-of-charge, 24/7/365 and will connect you to a trained responder who will listen, give you a safe space to talk, and help you find ways to cope with what you are going through.
