B.C. crisis support workers welcome new 988 suicide helpline
Canadians have a new mental-health support system as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health launches 988, a suicide crisis helpline.
The three-digit number for suicide prevention launched Thursday.
“Suicide can be a tragic outcome when people feel disconnected. We know that. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds,” says the helpline’s chief medical officer and CAMH psychiatrist Dr. Allison Crawford.
“Wherever people feel alone, we need to establish connection and we know that suicide prevention helplines can do just that.”
The helpline is funded by the government of Canada. There are 39 partners taking calls and texts 24 hours a day across the country, in English and French.
“Everyone who answers the call or text is trained in suicide prevention with a focus on providing trauma-informed and culturally appropriate care,” says federal mental health and addictions minister Ya’ara Saks.
The Vancouver Island Crisis Society in Nanaimo is one of those trained partners.
“What 988 does is sometimes people can’t remember a 10-digit number. Or what number should I call? So I think it gives easier access for people who are struggling,” says VICS executive director Elizabeth Newcombe. “It’s trying to increase capacity so no one goes unserviced.”
VICS has been doing the work for years and anticipates higher call volumes as people explore the new helpline. A former call taker, who’s now in a supervisory position with the organization, says the first priority on a call with a person is to establish a connection and he says most end well.
“Most calls end with a short-term plan created. That can be as something as small as they’re going take a walk and reflect on what they just talked about. Or it can be something bigger like they’re now going to call the doctor and make an appointment there,” says VICS employee Trystan Jackson.
VICS and CAMH say the need for call responders at distress centres to require assistance through 911 on a call is rare.
Typically when someone reports to 911 saying they are having thoughts of suicide, E-Comm dispatchers transfer the call to local police for immediate response. A spokesperson for E-Comm says those policies won’t change and welcomes the addition of the Suicide Crisis Helpline, calling it an “important” resource.
The Victoria Police Department also welcomes the helpline.
“It’s difficult to predict the impact this will have on mental health calls to VicPD,” says Const. Terri Healy.
At the unveiling of 988 in Toronto Thursday morning, the federal health minister said suicide is the leading cause of premature death in Canada. Approximately 4,500 Canadians die by suicide every year or 12 people per day.
“Each phone call in the 988 is not just answering the call of the person in crisis but the world of families and communities around them who we are also supporting in that moment of need,” says Saks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.