9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Launched Nationwide With CMHA HKPR As Local Provider

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s (CMHA HKPR) new 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline has launched and is available nationwide as one of 40 national 9-8-8 partners announced on Thursday.

TRACY GRAHAM, CMHA DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES during the initial announcement of the suicide crisis helpline at the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“We are incredibly excited about the launch of 9-8-8 and a proud partner,"“ said Mark Graham, CMHA HKPR CEO. “Individuals in crisis now have access to a three-digit, easy-to-remember number for support available to them 24/7. We believe this will have a huge impact on access to support in our region and across Canada.”

9-8-8 is for anyone across Canada thinking of suicide or who is worried about someone they know. CMHA HKPR will have six 9-8-8 responders on standby to listen and provide confidential support without judgment and are available 24/7.

Individuals calling from a local area code in Peterborough, Haliburton, Northumberland, or Kawartha Lakes, will be routed to local call takers at the CMHA HKPR call center in downtown Peterborough and connected with local supports.

CMHA HKPR’s Four County Crisis, widely known as ‘4CC’, has been rebranded into the Integrated Crisis Intervention Services Model. Individuals who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress or who are worried about someone they know can now call 9-8-8 instead of Four County Crisis.

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