‘No One Will Be Turned Away’: 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline Launches Across Canada

A new toll-free, three-digit suicide prevention helpline launched across Canada on Nov. 30 morning. People having suicidal thoughts or other mental health distress can now call or text 988 to reach a trained responder 24 hours a day, seven days a week—no matter where they live in the country. “My main message that I want to say to Canadians is that we see you, we hear you, and that you’re not alone. That if you are struggling … there is a low-barrier, easy access, warm voice on the other end of the line,” said Ya’ara Saks, federal minister of mental health and addictions, in an interview before the launch....