Considerations for Implementing a Three-Digit Suicide Prevention Number in Canada: Policy Brief

This policy brief outlines considerations for implementing a three-digit suicide prevention number in Canada. It reviews several relevant international contexts; specifically, the implementation of a three-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline (988) in the United States (U.S.) and the recently approved 113 number in the Netherlands. The brief is based on the survey, informal interviews, and a scan of academic and grey literature by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). The considerations it explores include the accessibility and visibility of the service, the capacity of crisis centres, training and staffing standardization, funding and operating costs, and the three-digit number selection.

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The CRTC is launching a consultation to study the potential implementation of a 3 Digit Number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services. Let them know how that service should be implemented by filling out this online form.