“In Saskatchewan we do have a very high rate of suicide in comparison to the rest of the country,” Rebecca Rackow said.
Published Nov 30, 2023 • 2 minute read
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Saskatchewan Division says a new 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline launched Thursday that residents can call or text anytime is a huge step.
“It’s really needed and we’re really happy to hear that it’s there,” said Rebecca Rackow, Director of Advocacy, research and public policy developments.
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Led by the The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), nation-wide, three-digit phone line is meant to help people who are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are worried about someone who is.
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“Be on the lookout. If you know somebody or you are somebody who’s thinking about suicide, you know about this 9-8-8 number now so you can suggest contacting them, or contacting them yourself on behalf of someone else,” Rackow said.
There are three local partners involved in the new 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline in Saskatchewan: Mobile Crisis Services Regina, Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit and Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service.
“In Saskatchewan we do have a very high rate of suicide in comparison to the rest of the country,” Rackow said. “Any possible way of helping people is necessary in order for us to not have such a high rate. We need to reduce that.”
She said the CMHA is supporting the response teams and using the service, and has places people can be referred to after making the initial call.
“We have our Hope Learning Centre that has peer support involvement and peer education, and our branches around the province all have peer support groups and programs that can really help folks.”
Calls or texts to the phone number will be directed to the nearest mental health crisis or suicide prevention service for free. The service can be used by anyone, including children and youth. The 9-8-8 responders are trained in suicide prevention and can provide support that is trauma-informed and culturally appropriate.
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A release from the Government of Saskatchewan issued Thursday said the province is pleased to be part of the new helpline.
“While we have made progress toward talking openly about our mental health and suicide prevention, we know more can be done to make it easier for anyone who is struggling to get help,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said in the release.
“A three-digit number provides an easy access point for anyone in need of immediate mental health crisis support.”
Implementing the service required help from SaskTel as a telecommunications provider.
“In times of crisis or emergency, SaskTel recognizes how important it is to have quick access to care,” President and CEO Charlene Gavel said in a news release.
“We are proud to bring this lifesaving service to Saskatchewan to ensure that the people of our province can get help no matter where they live.”
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