WHEREAS the Federal government has passed a motion to adopt 988, a National three-digit suicide and crisis hotline;
AND WHEREAS the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for suicide prevention services by 200 per cent;
AND WHEREAS existing suicide prevention hotlines require the user to remember a 10-digit number and go through directories or be placed on hold;
AND WHEREAS in 2022 the United States will have in place a national 988 crisis hotline;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Township of North Glengarry recognizes that it is a significant and important initiative to ensure critical barriers are removed to those in a crisis and seeking help.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of North Glengarry endorses this 988 crisis line initiative;
AND THAT Staff be directed to send a letter indicating such support to the local MP, MPP, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Federal Minister of Health, the CRTC and local area municipalities to indicate our support.