Saint Andrews councillors are lending their support for a national three-digit mental health crisis helpline.
In December, the House of Commons unanimously passed a Conservative motion to adopt a 988 helpline.
New Brunswick Southwest MP John Williamson requested that Saint Andrews council endorse the motion, which the federal government has not yet moved on.
During Monday’s meeting, Coun. Edith Bishop said having a national helpline is the “greatest idea” she has heard in a while.
“There has definitely been a big lack in services for people that need help,” said Bishop, “and I think it’s a perfectly logical and excellent idea.”
According to the motion presented to council, existing mental health crisis hotlines require people to remember a 10-digit number and go through directories or be placed on hold.
“I find it quite concerning that someone who’s in need and is at that stage in their life, having to dial a 10-digit number and be placed on hold is unforgivable,” said Coun. Guy Groulx.
The motion comes just over a week after the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl in Fredericton which has attracted national attention.
Lexi Daken took her own life after waiting hours to see a psychiatrist at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.
In the days following Daken’s death, the province tasked Child, Youth and Seniors’ Advocate Norman Bossé with reviewing New Brunswick’s mental health care system.
“The fact that this is a sign of trying to make change, I think we should recognize his efforts and support him,” Deputy Mayor Brad Henderson said of MP Williamson’s request.
Council directed town staff to send a letter indicating their support to Williamson, provincial MLAs, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, and local municipalities.
In an email Tuesday evening, Williamson said St. George has also passed the 988 motion and he has asked all 14 municipalities in his riding to do so.
Residents in the United States will be able to call 988 to receive help for a mental health crisis as of 2022. There is no word on when Canadians may be able to do the same.
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