Canada's 988 suicide crisis hotline receives more than 300,000 calls and texts in its first year – National

The Center for Addiction and Mental Health says counselors have fielded more than 300,000 calls and texts since the national program launched. 988 suicide hotline a year ago.

Dr. Allison Crawford, the helpline's lead physician, says people with suicidal thoughts or other mental health issues can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter where they live in Canada.

She expects the number of calls and texts to increase as more people become aware of the service.

Crawford says it's critical that first responders answer calls or texts quickly so someone who needs help doesn't give up.

The average wait time in October was 44 seconds for calls and one minute and 47 seconds for texts. Crawford says they are constantly working to improve these.

0:50
Canada introduces new 988 suicide crisis hotline. Here's how it works

Calls and texts are routed to the nearest available counselor so they can help people find more resources in their local community if they need further assistance.

Receive weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information every Sunday.

The Center for Addiction and Mental Health runs the helpline, working with more than 2,000 counselors from 39 community agencies across the country.

Slinder Bhatti, executive director of Chimo Community Services in Richmond, BC, oversees seven to 12 responders on the helpline, depending on expected calling and texting patterns.

She said the need for assistance tends to peak around certain times, including the upcoming holidays.

Bhatti said the 988 line is for anyone going through a tough time and some people are calling or texting multiple times.

“We will not turn anyone away,” she said.

The 988 helpline launched on November 30, 2023, with $177 million in funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada for the first three years of the program, CAMH says.

For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, the suicide hotline is available at 9-88.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, there are resources available. In an emergency, you can call 911 for immediate assistance.

For an overview of support services in your area, visit suicideprevention.ca/resources/#support-services

&copy 2024 The Canadian Press