CRTC to implement new 9-8-8 number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention

August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day, an annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that it will adopt 9-8-8 as the number to call or text for Canadians who are in need of immediate mental health crisis and suicide prevention intervention. Once implemented by telephone and wireless service providers, calls and texts to 9-8-8 will be directed to a mental health crisis or suicide prevention service, free of charge.

The implementation of 9-8-8 as an easy-to-remember three-digit number will help reduce barriers to mental health and suicide prevention resources. The number will enable greater access regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic status as it will be available from coast to coast, 24/7 and free of charge. Furthermore, the ability to text to 9-8-8 will ensure that people in crisis who are unable to safely call, or prefer texting, are able to obtain counselling.

Read the CRTC's full media release at https://www.canada.ca/en/radio-television-telecommunications/news/2022/08/crtc-to-implement-new-9-8-8-number-for-mental-health-crisis-and-suicide-prevention.html.