9-8-8 service has launched in the United States

On July 16, 2022, the United States will launch a national mental health crisis and suicide prevention number that citizens can access by dialing 9-8-8. The CRTC is currently working on developing a similar resource for Canadians but the implementation of that service is not yet complete. Until then, mobile calls and texts to 9-8-8 made in Canada will receive a recording or text reply directing callers to Canada’s suicide prevention service (toll-free number 1-833-456-4566 for voice calls at any time or texting 45645 from 4 p.m. to midnight, Eastern Time).

Find more information on the CRTC’s process to

develop and deploy 9-8-8 service

.