National 988 suicide helpline takes more than 300,000 calls, texts in its first year

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health says responders have fielded more than 300,000 calls and texts since the launch of the national 988 suicide helpline a year ago.Dr. Allison Crawford, the chief medical officer for the helpline, says people having suicidal thoughts or other mental health distress can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week no matter where they live in Canada.She expects the volume of calls and texts will go up as more people become aware of the service.