All 9-8-8 responders are trained in suicide prevention. (650 CKOM file photo)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Helping Others

New suicide hotline launches in Saskatchewan, across Canada

Nov 30, 2023 | 5:17 PM

Warning: This story contains the mention of suicide.

People who are thinking about death by suicide or worried someone they love or know might be having suicidal thoughts can now dial 9-8-8.

The new Suicide Crisis Hotline launched Thursday across Canada, co-ordinated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Saskatchewan’s government is pleased to be part of the effort to support and care for people in the province.

“While we have made progress toward talking openly about our mental health and suicide prevention, we know more can be done to make it easier for anyone who is struggling to get help,” said Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said in a news release.

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McLeod said the three-digit number was an “easy access point for anyone in need of immediate mental health crisis support.”

The line is open for anyone in Canada to use, including children. Someone who calls the line will be connected to the responder closest to them, based on their area code, whenever possible.

Responders to the 9-8-8 line are trained in suicide prevention and can offer support that is both trauma-informed and culturally appropriate, the news release stated.

Locally, the Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit, Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service and Mobile Crisis Services Saskatoon are partnering with the initiative. SaskTel is also assisting in implementing the 9-8-8 hotline.

In the release, SaskTel president and CEO Charlene Gavel said the company understands how important it is to have quick access to care in times of crisis or an emergency.

“We are proud to bring this lifesaving service to Saskatchewan to ensure that the people of our province can get help no matter where they live,” she said.

In Saskatchewan, Roots of Hope, suicide prevention public awareness campaigns, free virtual suicide prevention training for non-clinicians and a provincial safe medication disposal program are also focused on improving mental health and suicide prevention.

Children can also continue to contact Kids Help Phone or text CONNECT to 686868 for help in a mental health crisis.