Distress Centre of Ottawa joins newly launched 9-8-8 network

Ottawa’s main mental health line is partnering with the new toll-free, three-digit suicide prevention helpline that launched across Canada on Thursday, Nov. 30.

People having suicidal thoughts or other mental health distress can now call or text 9-8-8 to reach a trained responder 24 hours a day, seven days a week — no matter where they live in the country.

The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region (DCOR), which has been answer over 55,000 calls a year for Ottawa and the region, announced that starting Nov. 30 at 3 a.m., responders at the DCOR will be answering 9-8-8 calls in English and French 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“This initiative led by the Canadian Association of Mental Health and funded by the Government of
Canada, is a major step forward in providing much needed mental health supports in Canada,” said Matt Triemstra, DCOR’s board president. “We are very pleased to be a partner in the 9-8-8 network to deliver this service to Ottawa and area residents.”