On November 30, 2023, the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, a national, three-digit, easily recognized number for suicide prevention and emotional distress, will be available across Canada. The 9-8-8 Crisis Helpline will provide access to 24/7/365, bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate suicide prevention and emotional distress support through phone and text.
Current Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566) and the AHS Mental Health Helpline (1-877-303-2642) services may still be operational until they transition under the 9-8-8 umbrella. 9-8-8 call responders will operate on a principle of pursuing the least intrusive intervention, and seeking the participation and input of the person in distress. Continue to handle calls transferred from 9-8-8 as you have been with existing distress call centers.
K Division Operational Communication Centers (OCC) have been provided Standard Operating Procedures when receiving calls for service from 9-8-8.
On November 30, 2023, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will activate a new website www.988.ca which will include more open-source information on the 9-8-8 service.