Khanna Responds to Suicide Prevention Hotline Launch

Friday, 1 December 2023 05:47

Oxford MP Arpan Khanna says Canada's new Suicide Prevention Hotline will be a valuable resource for those who are struggling.

OXFORD COUNTY - After almost three years in the works, Canada now has a National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Those who are struggling can now call or text 9-8-8 to receive free, confidential, and non-judgemental support anytime, 24 hours a day.

In a statement released yesterday, Oxford County MP Arpan Khanna said this valuable resource is a huge step forward, adding it will benefit family and friends who are worried about their loved ones who are struggling.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline officially launched yesterday, after it was introduced and passed in the House of Commons in December 2020.

You can read Khanna's full statement below:

"This life-saving service will provide Canadians who are struggling with mental health the opportunity to call or text 9-8-8 and receive free, confidential, immediate, and non-judgmental support, 24 hours a day.

The motion that led to this historic event was introduced and passed in the House of Commons by Conservative Shadow Minister of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Todd Doherty, on December 11th, 2020. 1084 days later, it has become a reality.

This simple three-digit phone number makes mental health and crisis services infinitely more accessible to those desperately needing help. I hope the launch of this crucial helpline will help Canadians struggling to keep fighting.

9-8-8, the national suicide prevention hotline, is a valuable resource for family and friends who are worried and afraid for their loved ones. Caring for someone in mental distress can cause mental distress and leave many families feeling helpless. 9-8-8 will direct loved ones and those suffering on where to go and what to do. One of the biggest hurdles is navigating the system; 9-8-8 is vital in streamlining that confusion.

Many Canadians are struggling with mental health and addictions. This is one of the top issues I have heard about from community organizations throughout Oxford. Hopefully, 9-8-8 will become a valuable resource for them as they navigate the greater need for their services. 9-8-8 is a huge, positive step forward, but it is one of many. We cannot help people who are thinking of suicide if we don't know they are thinking about it.

Please, if you are struggling with mental illness, know that you don't have to suffer alone. You belong here, and your life is worth living."