New Suicide Prevention Hotline 9-8-8 Offers Mental Health Support for Canadians

Back in January, I received a letter from Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty who brought a motion to the federal legislature to bring the 3-digit 24/7 suicide prevention hotline 9-8-8 to Canada. The helpline is now live and individuals can call or text 9-8-8 anywhere in Canada.In his letter, he also asked municipalities to display the 9-8-8 information poster in their facilities to help spread awareness of the helpline and the support that is out there.I sent MP Doherty a response letter thanking him for his work in bringing this important initiative to Canada and making it available for all Canadians. The City of Burlington is fully supportive of this initiative and has placed the 9-8-8 information poster in our facilities, recreational hubs and community centres, as well as City buildings to notify our residents of this life-saving service.MP Doherty's work on this will no doubt make a profound difference in the lives of countless Canadians -- not only those that are seeking support in times of crisis, but also for the family members of those that will benefit from their loved ones calling or texting the helpline.For more details, visit Get Help | 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline (988.ca).