Just two months shy of its launch date, a nationwide, three-digit suicide crisis helpline service is being used by those living in the 705 area code.
And the number of people dialing 9-8-8 locally is on the rise, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR).
In November 2023, the CMHA welcomed the creation of the free, confidential 9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Helpline, which is accessible 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Anyone in Canada can call or text 9-8-8 if they are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone who is suicidal.
The call is answered by responders who are as close to home as possible, CMHA noted. Ten CMHAs, six of which are in Ontario, are part of a network of roughly 40 partners answering the national crisis line. CMHA HKPR is one of those partners.
Tracy Graham, director of programs and services at CMHA HKPR, said CMHA HKPR received 504 calls as a 9-8-8 network service provider from November 30, 2023 – the go-live date – through to December 31, 2023.
Of those calls, 84 per cent were from people who reside within the 705 area code, she noted.
“The volume of calls to 9-8-8 locally continues to increase,” Graham told kawarthaNOW. “CMHA HKPR will be onboarding text capacity to increase the range of 9-8-8 services at a local level and regional level.”
Every day in Canada, an average of 12 people die by suicide, the CMHA noted. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 34.
“Research shows that suicides are preventable, and that telephone crisis services, and online counselling can help save lives,” the CMHA states on its website.
“We see people in our communities struggling every day,” stated Margaret Eaton, CMHA National CEO, in a media release.
“The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is an important step towards addressing Canada’s mental health crisis and creating a country where mental health is a universal human right.”
The CMHA said 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.
9-8-8 is a national helpline, but individuals calling from a local area code in Peterborough, Haliburton, Northumberland, or Kawartha Lakes will be routed to local call takers at the CMHA HKPR call centre in downtown Peterborough.
Residents can visit 988.ca to learn more about the crisis helpline.
