Ottawa – One year ago, the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline was launched. Since launching, 9-8-8 responders have answered more than 300,000 calls and texts with trauma-informed suicide prevention and emotional distress support. If you are thinking about suicide or worried that someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 for support 24/7/365.
Canada marks International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Ottawa – On International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, we remember those we’ve lost to suicide, and the loved ones left behind. The ripple effects that losing someone to suicide has on families, friends and communities can be devastating. Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or background and it leaves complex feelings of loss and grief for …
Recognizing important role of digital health systems
Ottawa – This Digital Health Week, we recognize the important role that digital health systems play in creating a secure and connected health care system. We are committed to ensuring that digital health data and tools, such as electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health apps, work together to securely connect patients, caregivers, and health care providers so Canadians can …
Message from Minister of Health on Mental Illness Awareness Week
Ottawa – This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, an opportunity to highlight that everyone’s experience with mental illness is unique. Almost all of us have been affected by mental illness, either directly or through the experiences of our family, friends or colleagues. This year’s theme, “Access For All: Time for Action, Time for Change,” is a reminder that we …
Canada announces National Suicide Prevention Action Plan
Ottawa – Every year, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide in Canada. This is the equivalent to approximately 12 deaths every day. The impacts of suicide extend far beyond the individual – each life lost sends ripples of pain through family, friends, and communities. This is a significant, national public health issue and concerted action, from all levels, must be …
Enhancing equity in Canada’s crisis, distress line sector
Toronto – When people are in crisis, they need immediate support. Distress and crisis centres are an integral part of Canada’s public health approach to suicide prevention and often the first point of contact for people who are struggling. Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced over $3.5 million to 19 organizations to …
Canadian Ministers talk on Mental Health, Addictions, Cure
Ottawa – Bell Let’s Talk Day, an annual awareness campaign designed to help promote open conversations about mental health and well-being. This year’s theme, “Let’s create real change,” underscores the continued need to take action. While talking is a great starting point, for us, this initiative has always been about more than that. Together with a diversity of partners, we are …
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline laucnhed
Ottawa – The 9-8-8-Suicide Crisis Helpline, Canada’s new, national three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress will be available to everyone in Canada. Funded by the Government of Canada and led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 9-8-8 will be: available by phone and text; provided in English and French; and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 …
New fund to complement 9-8-8 helpline to address equity gaps
Toronto – Every action matters when it comes to suicide prevention, from learning the proper language to avoid stigma, to understanding how to support someone who may be considering suicide. Every day, approximately 12 people in Canada die by suicide. Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds and the Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to provide people …
Funds offered to CAMH for 3-digit number to prevent suicide
The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline will be available across Canada on November 30, 2023 Toronto – Suicide is a serious public health issue that impacts people of all ages and backgrounds across the country. The Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure that everyone in Canada has access to suicide prevention resources and other crisis supports – whenever and …