Together We Give Hope

Response to Provincial Suicide Intervention Funding Announcement

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Media Release

September 22, 2022

Vancouver, BC – Today, Sheila Malcolmson, BC’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, announced an investment of $2 million to support an initiative that will create province-wide standards and training to improve care in the health-care system for people who may be suicidal.

Crisis lines in BC have been leaders across North America in developing and delivering these standards for over fifty years. We look forward to working with the Province and other agencies to create a better mental health crisis care continuum for all British Columbians.

“Today’s announcement is a clear and positive indication of the Province’s commitment to mental health crisis care and creating suicide safer communities in BC. The BC Crisis Line Network has been meeting with all levels of government and other frontline agencies to create a continuum of care with crisis phone lines as the key frontline support to decrease pressure on 9-1-1, police, ambulance and emergency rooms,” says Stacy Ashton, Chair of the BC Crisis Line Network.

The Network comprises ten regional crisis centres across BC, collectively answering 1800SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 310Mental Health Support (310-6789). The Network operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides lifesaving crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and strengths-based collaborative safety planning and follow-up to vulnerable British Columbians.

Network members also provide evidence-based, trauma-informed programs for the public and professionals that increase awareness about suicide, strengthen intervention skills, and facilitate growth and recovery after a suicide experience.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out:

  • Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code required)
  • Anywhere in BC 1800SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433

Media Contacts

Stacy Ashton, Chairperson for the BC Crisis Line Network; Crisis Centre of BC
– Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Region
Thaddée Bergler, Fraser Health Crisis Line
– Fraser Health Authority Region
Asha Croggon, Interior Crisis Lines Network
– Interior Health Authority Region
Elizabeth Newcombe, Vancouver Island Crisis Society
– Vancouver Island Health Authority Region
Riley Skinner, Northern BC Crisis Centre
– Northern Health Authority Region

Additional Contact

Jeffrey Preiss
jpreiss[@]crisiscentre.bc.ca
Director of Development and Communications
Crisis Centre of BC