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    • Government's suicide prevention helpline underprepared for increased care demand, CMHA says

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    The Canadian Mental Health Association says it is concerned for underfunded community-based mental health services that could face an influx of patients with little resources to support them once Canada's new 988 hotline is up and running.

    According to Government of Canada,

    To address this mental health crisis, on Monday the Canadian government announced a three-year investment plan of $156 million into a national three-digit suicide prevention and emotional distress helpline – 988 – to better support Canadians in need.

    And while CMHA has been looking forward to the helpline, set to launch on Nov. 30, Sarah Kennell, its national director of public policy, says funding for community-based supports remains uncertain.

    “The question remains, though, is the mental health and substance use health sector adequately equipped to respond to those crisis situations that emerge through the calls? We're not sure what the answer to that is yet,†Kennell told CTVNews.ca over the phone.

    A portion of the investment, $21.4 million, will be donated to the Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres. These funds will be distributed to existing distress centres to bolster their capacity, Kennell said.

    “We’re taking a step back and asking if the funding is really sufficient," she said. "Is this funding enough to ensure that not only are those lines adequately resourced to ensure they pick up the phone when it rings in those local communities, but then do those community-based mental health organizations have the resources to effectively and adequately refer folks who need additional referrals and support to other services and communities?â€

    The federal government anticipates a four- to six-fold increase in crisis calls when the 988 number launches this fall. While waitlists for mental health services are already lengthy—the longest wait is now up to two-and-a-half years—CMHA says it could get longer.

    Though Kennell isn’t certain of what things will look like once the helpline is implemented, she says it’s safe to say there will be increased demand.

    “In the absence of real, meaningful investment in community-based resources, folks have limited options in terms of where to go for care. So they're relying on family physicians, which may or may not have emergency departments, which are increasingly under strain and not the best place to get crisis care when you're in a mental health crisis,†she said.

    Even though about 75 per cent of calls can be resolved over the phone, she says support is still needed for the remainder of the people for whom a phone call isn't enough.

    CMHA is a Canadian non-profit mental health organization that focuses on resources, programs and advocacy and, according to Kennell, a community-based approach involves responding to crises holistically, through addressing factors such as housing, food insecurity and employment—which may contribute to a mental health crisis.

    The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is receptive to speaking with CMHA, Kennell said, adding that the non-profit is submitting a request to the government to increase the budget for mental health supports, including for a dedicated community-based crisis response fund. 

    In an emailed statement, PHAC told CTVNews.ca that it plans to closely track and monitor the impact that the 9-8-8 service has on the broader mental health system.

    “The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of everyone in Canada having access to critical mental health and substance use resources, including suicide prevention services. People who are experiencing a suicide crisis need to be able to access timely support,†the federal health agency said.

    According to Health Canada, the government is investing nearly $200 billion over 10 years to help provinces and territories improve health-care services for Canadians including mental health and substance use services and family health services.

    “Provinces and territories maintain their role as primary providers of local suicide prevention services,†Health Canada said. “Where gaps exist, provinces and territories may choose to dedicate aspects of their new, tailored bilateral agreement funding to services to support suicide prevention and crisis intervention, including support for the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.â€

    -------------

    If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available.

    Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline (1-833-456-4566)

    Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1 800 463-2338)

    Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)

    Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)

    If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

    Correction

    A previous version of this story said that the budget submission includes a dedicated committee based crisis responses fund. It is actually a community-based crisis response fund. 

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