Beginning today, people anywhere in Canada can call and text 9-8-8 if they’re thinking about suicide or are worried about someone who is.

The three-digit suicide prevention helpline will be answered by responders who are as close to home as possible.

Ten Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offices will be part of a network of roughly 40 partners answering the national crisis line.

These local CMHAs have expertise in providing community-based crisis response, including crisis lines, mobile crisis response and other related mental health services.

“The CMHA partners are pleased to be a local voice on the other end of the phone at 9-8-8,” said Margaret Eaton, the CMHA’s national CEO.

“The Canadian Mental Health Association is the most established community-based mental health federation in Canada, and CMHAs have long been leading crisis response in their local communities and will continue to provide lifesaving, mental health support.”

Every day in Canada, an average of 12 people die by suicide, with certain groups being disproportionately affected.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 34.

Research shows that suicides are preventable, and that telephone crisis services and online counselling can help save lives.

“We see people in our communities struggling every day,” Eaton noted.

“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.”

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; and

• high-quality, evidence-based, equitable suicide prevention and crisis support for everyone in Canada.

“The Canadian Mental Health Association applauds and thanks the Government of Canada for investing in 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, and has been pleased to participate in an advisory and consultative capacity throughout the development of the initiative,” Eaton added.

“CMHA will continue to play a leading role in delivering services across the crisis continuum – from crisis prevention to in-person community-based crisis response services – and will continue to advocate for more investment for mental health.”

Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee said today “marks an important milestone for mental health and suicide prevention.

“Suicide is a public health issue that affects all of us. Tragically, Canada sees an average of 12 suicides per day, with certain groups being disproportionately impacted.

“It’s important to remember that we can help protect our youth from suicide,” the minister said.