Suicide prevention helpline receiving nearly 1,500 calls, texts per day

The 988 helpline, led by CAMH, was rolled out across the country on Nov. 30. The centre didn’t have data available on how many of those calls and texts required emergency services to intervene. The hotline provides a round-the-clock toll-free texting and calling service to Canadians. CAMH says it’s for anyone who’s thinking about suicide or worrying about someone they know. PHAC data show approximately 12 people die by suicide every day in Canada, which amounts to 4,500 deaths per year.