Canada’s 988 suicide prevention line taking around 1,000 calls a day and saving lives, service says
The 988 national suicide prevention helpline has reached a significant milestone as it celebrates its one-year anniversary. Since its launch last year, crisis responders have been actively engaging with individuals in need, answering over 300,000 calls and texts, amounting to roughly 1,000 interactions per day. This three-digit helpline provides vital live support by phone and text to individuals across all provinces and territories, operating 24/7 to ensure immediate assistance is available.
Dr. Allison Crawford, the chief medical officer of the helpline and a psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), emphasizes the importance of addressing the growing need for mental health services. With approximately 4,500 people dying by suicide in Canada each year, equivalent to 12 deaths daily, the helpline serves as a crucial resource in providing timely support and intervention.
The helpline’s responder training is guided by evidence-based practices and collaboration with organizations representing populations most affected by suicide. This ensures that individuals in crisis receive specialized support tailored to their needs. Tracy Graham, the director of programs and services at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, underscores the expertise of 988 responders in meeting the diverse needs of callers.
No one who reaches out to the helpline will be turned away, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can access compassionate and empathetic care. Tracy Graham highlights the importance of creating collaborative solutions with callers, focusing on their specific needs and preferences to promote recovery and safety.
Joanna Seidel, a registered social worker and child and family therapist, recognizes the helpline as a valuable tool in her practice, particularly in addressing urgent crises that arise during sessions. She notes the increasing demand for mental health support, especially among vulnerable youth facing challenges such as anxiety and family breakdowns.
Looking ahead, the helpline aims to expand its reach and enhance its services to better serve the public. Dr. Crawford emphasizes the ongoing recruitment of responders and the importance of raising awareness about the helpline to ensure that everyone in Canada knows about the vital support it provides. As the helpline continues to evolve and grow, its mission remains steadfast in preventing suicides and promoting mental well-being across the nation.
