Six months after launch, suicide prevention hotline receives more than 200,000 calls and text messages
The Vernon and District branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) isn't planning on abandoning one of its newest tools anytime soon.
May 30th marked six months since the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline launched across Canada, and with the help of 39 network partners (including Vernon), more than 200,000 phone and text interactions have been handled.
“Our crisis line responders are specialised and skilled, offering immediate support in difficult situations,” said Jessica Voss, manager of crisis intervention and prevention at CMHA Vernon. “They provide confidential, non-judgmental assistance through empathy, active listening and compassionate risk assessment.”
“Our teams are working tirelessly to support service users across both our 9-8-8 service and local lines and we are in awe of the work they do every day.”
The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is free and confidential, offering live phone and text support to people across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in English and French.
“Working as a crisis line responder at CMHA Vernon has taught me that it doesn't matter if you're a doctor, lawyer, child, parent, logger, nurse or anyone,” said one responder. “We all have mental issues from time to time, maybe even daily. The most important thing is that when we need someone to help us, there is someone to turn to. The 9-8-8 Helpline is for anyone who is thinking about suicide or experiencing a mental crisis.”
North Okanagan residents can call or text 9-8-8 or access existing services such as the Interior Crisis Line Network at 1-888-353-2273.
An average of 12 people commit suicide in Canada every day, making it the second leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 34. Research shows that suicide is preventable and crisis response services can help save lives.
CMHA Vernon and District currently needs volunteers for crisis intervention and prevention services, including the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.
“Before I became a crisis line responder, I thought conversations about mental health were something to have in quiet places,” another responder said. “Now I have the joy of speaking to people from all walks of life. It's been eye-opening, cathartic, and soul-growing. It's an opportunity to give back, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.”
Volunteers are carefully screened and fully trained before accepting a call, and they also receive ongoing expert support.
To learn more about volunteering for the Crisis Line, visit https://cmhavernon.ca/crisis-line/
The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is funded by the Government of Canada and run by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and its partners, including CMHA Vernon and District.
