Title
Support for National Three-Digit Crisis Line Initiative
Proposed Motions
1. That Council approve endorsement of a national 3-digit crisis line initiative.
2. That Administration be directed to send a letter to our local Member of Parliament, the Federal Minister of Health, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and local area municipalities indicating Parkland County's support for a national three-digit crisis hot line initiative.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To establish a national suicide prevention hot line that consolidates all suicide crisis numbers to one easy to remember three-digit (988) hot line that is accessible to all Canadians.
Summary
The past year has been challenging; lives and livelihoods have been lost. COVID-19, through isolation, has had devastating effects on the mental health of Canadians.
The Federal government has passed a motion to bring in a national three-digit suicide and crisis prevention hot line (988). The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for suicide prevention services by 200%. Existing crisis hot lines require the user to remember a ten-digit number, go through local directories or even be placed on hold. It is a significant and important initiative to ensure barriers are removed to those in crisis and seeking help.
Given that the alarming rate of suicide in Canada constitutes a national health crisis, the government in collaboration with the provinces, seeks to support the establishment of a national three-digit hot line (988) that is accessible to all Canadians.
The current suicide prevention line is 833-456-4566 or text 741741.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
This request corresponds with the Complete Communities pillar statement as per Parkland County's 2016-2020 Strategic Plan.
Financial Impact:
Cost: 0
Source of Funding: n/a