CITYnews halifax : The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline renewed for fourth consecutive year

CITYnews halifax / By Emma Amodio

The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline will continue to help those considering suicide or worried about someone else contemplating suicide as the province renews the crisis line that launched in 2023.

Since 2023, almost 12,000 calls and more than 14,000 texts from Nova Scotians have been responded to. The province recognizes the success of this program, renewing the memorandum of understanding to ensure continued access for Nova Scotians.

9-8-8 offers free support 24 hours a day, seven days a week where people are connected with trained responders who can provide immediate and compassionate help in English or French.

“People in crisis deserve timely, compassionate support, and the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is delivering that for Nova Scotians when they need it the most. Renewing this agreement reaffirms our shared commitment to making sure this essential service remains available, so that anyone in crisis can reach help quickly, 24/7,” said Marjorie Michel, federal Minister of Health in a release.

The three digit crisis line is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), based in Toronto. CAMH co-ordinates and operates the helpline in collaboration with 37 network partners, including local crisis lines and helplines, provincial mental health services and national organizations across Canada.

“9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is an important part of how we support people in crisis. Since it was launched, it has fielded thousands of calls from people when they’ve needed help the most,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “By working together to support people anywhere in the province, the federal and provincial governments, alongside local partners, are helping ensure Nova Scotians can access timely, high-quality care when and where they need it most.”

Nova Scotians can also call the provincial mental health and addictions crisis line (toll-free: 1-888-429-8167) any time for immediate support from a clinician or visit their nearest emergency department