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Mental Health

Todd Doherty’s 988 suicide hotline begins on Thursday

Nov 28, 2023 | 12:12 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—It has been 1000 days since MP Todd Doherty motion for a hotline number for suicide prevention was unanimously approved by parliament. Now beginning Thursday you can call or text 988 if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis of suicidal ideation.

The service will work the same as the current suicide mental health by providing those in crisis with an expert crisis responder who will be there to offer confidential support to people in need.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications approved the national three digit hotline back in August 2022. In a statement to CKPG in August, Doherty said ““This approval and the implementation of a three-digit suicide prevention hotline (9-8-8) will save lives and will remove a critical barrier facing too many who are struggling with nowhere to turn.”

Doherty put forward his thanks to countless canadians who shared their stories and supported the initiative.