9-8-8, a three-digit centralized mental health crisis line that connects those in need directly with health care professionals, is live as of today.
Mental Health Advocate Tanya Joy and PhD Candidate Julie Dwyer say the dedicated line will ensure that people have access to the services they need.
Joy says the number is easy to remember, and there is also a texting option.
She says people who are in crisis may not be in a position to remember much.
Dwyer says they’re currently working on a program to catch people before they reach that stage.
They wish to begin targeting children and youth in an age-appropriate way so that they can prevent people from getting to the point where they need the crisis line.
