Province Invests $2 Million For Suicide-Prevention Initiative

The province has announced $2 million to support an initiative that will create province-wide standards and training to improve care in the health-care system for people who may be suicidal.

The province has announced $2 million to support an initiative that will create province-wide standards and training to improve care in the health-care system for people who may be suicidal.

Crisis lines in BC have been leaders across North America in developing and delivering these standards for over fifty years.

The Network comprises ten regional crisis centres across BC, collectively answering 1800SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 310Mental Health Support (310-6789).

The Network operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides lifesaving crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and strengths-based collaborative safety planning and follow-up to vulnerable British Columbians.

The Chair of the BC Crisis Line Network, Stacy Ashton, says the announcement is a clear indication of the province’s commitment to mental health crisis care and creating safer communities.

She says the network has been meeting with all levels of government and other frontline agencies to create a continuum of care with crisis phone lines as the key frontline support to decrease pressure on 9-1-1, police, ambulance, and emergency rooms.

Network members also provide evidence-based, trauma-informed programs for the public and professionals that increase awareness about suicide, strengthen intervention skills, and facilitate growth and recovery after a suicide experience.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out by calling the Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 OR 1-800-SUICIDE