A Richmond city councillor wants her council colleagues to help push for a three-digit phone number – 988 - for those in crisis.
Coun. Alexa Loo points out current suicide prevention lines are 10 digits long and people are sometimes put on hold when they call.
In a motion going to Monday’s council committee meeting, she points out, in 2022, the U.S. will implement 988 as a crisis line.
The federal government has already unanimously supported the creation of the 988 suicide prevention line, Loo explains in her motion going to council.
Furthermore, she adds, there has been a 200-per-cent increase in demand for suicide prevention services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Having the three-digit number would remove barriers for those in crisis.
The suggestion is to lobby provincial and federal governments as well as the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) to implement the 988 service.
