Canadian government launches helpline to prevent suicides
The Government of Canada has launched the ‘Suicide Prevention Support Helpline 988’ as part of its efforts to prevent suicides. On average, 4,500 people commit suicide every year in Canada, prompting the government to establish this helpline as a preventive measure. Canada’s Public Health Agency has stated that the helpline will operate in both English and French, offering call and text support at all times across the country.
According to a report, the center leads the coordination of the ‘988 Service’ for drug abuse and mental health. The Suicide Crisis Helpline will provide trauma-informed and culturally appropriate suicide prevention crisis support 24/7/365 in English and French via phone and text for everyone living in Canada.
Callers will have the option to seek specialized assistance for young individuals or indigenous communities. ‘Kids Help Phone’ will partner to provide specific youth support, while ‘Hope for Wellness’ will offer specialized assistance for indigenous callers. Upon dialing 988, individuals will be connected to a respondent based on their regional code, ensuring proximity.
If a local responder is unavailable, the call or text will be redirected to another 988 partner or a national hub to ensure support and response to all 988 inquiries. Crisis responders will address 988 calls and texts based on their extensive training.