SOS shifts to national mental health crisis line

On November 30, 2023, residents of Fort McMurray and others across the country will have access to a unified mental health crisis hotline. 

Some Other Solutions will be transitioning away from their local crisis line and encouraging residents to call 988 if they need support when the new service launches. 

The national mental health hotline will provide free texting or calling for Canadians struggling with mental health. The crisis line will be operated through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) with federal funding of $156 million over three years. 

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett says the investment will provide immediate, confidential and judgemental-free suicide prevention support for Canadians. 

“Every day, an average of 12 people die by suicide in Canada. We’re taking action to support people across the country who are in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts.”

For residents of Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, the shift to the national service brings a level of consistency and experience. Jason King, Executive Director of Some Other Solutions, says it was an easy decision to embrace the new national hotline. 

“We want to ensure that no matter who calls and when, they have immediate access to an exceptional level of care. Whether they are at home in Fort McMurray, working remotely, or on holidays back east, the phone number is the same and the service will be the consistent,” says King.

The 988 suicide crisis line launches November 30 and will be available 24/7, in English and French. Trained crisis responders will provide trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support by phone or text.

For children and young adults, Kids Help Phone will still remain to provide mental health and crisis support.