CMHA welcomes the creation of 9-8-8, the three-digit suicide prevention line

Nov 30, 2023

Montreal, QC (November 30, 2023) – 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. In Quebec, we remind you that suicide prevention services will not be replaced by “988”; once the number has been dialed, requests will be redirected to Quebec services, which will continue to be offered by the Centres de prévention du suicide du Québec (CPS). Read more.

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]

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.

-30-

About the Canadian Mental Health Association 

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health federation in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and the Yukon. CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. For more information, please visit www.cmha.ca.

[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/suicide-prevention/suicide-canada.html

[2] Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms — Canada.ca

[3] Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2018). Research on suicide and its prevention: What the current evidence reveals and topics for future research. Ottawa, ON.