Surgeon General Message: 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Helpline launches in Canada

December 4, 2023 - Defence Stories

On November 30^th, 2023, 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, a suicide prevention line, became available to people in Canada of all ages. Anyone needing urgent help can call or text 9-8-8 for access to bilingual suicide prevention support 24/7/365.

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Rear view of son and elderly father sitting together at home. Son caring for his father, putting his hand on his shoulder, comforting him and consoling him.

This new resource is accessible to anyone in Canada, including Defence Team members or their family members who may be in crisis. Mental health struggles do not discriminate in that they can affect people of all ages, ranks, ethnicities, socio-economic levels, and genders. Everyone should have access to critical mental health resources, including suicide prevention services.

I would like to take this opportunity to not only highlight the launch of 9-8-8, but to also remind all Defence Team members that you have access to a range of free, confidential, virtual and in-person mental health resources, services, and supports.

CAF members and their families:

• Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program
• Military Mental Health: You’re not Alone
• CAF Addictions Treatment Program
• Operational Stress Injury Social Support Program
• The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service - Canada.ca
• The Road to Mental Readiness - Canada.ca

CAF members can access mental health care and a range of support services provided at Canadian Forces Health Services primary care clinics across Canada. These services are also available for those deployed.

DND Public Service Employees and their families

DND’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, professional, confidential, and proactive service to support DND employees and their family members with a wide range of personal, family, and work-related concerns. DND employees and their families can access these services by visiting:

Defence Employee Assistance Program - Canada.ca

Remember – there is no health without mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out and get help.

Major-General Marc Bilodeau
Surgeon General, Canadian Armed Forces