WHEREAS the Federal government has passed a motion to adopt 988, a National three-digit suicide and crisis hotline;
WHEREAS the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for suicide prevention services by 200%;
WHEREAS existing suicide prevention hotlines require the user to remember a 10-digit number and go through directories or be placed on hold;
WHEREAS in 2022 the United States will have in place a national 988 crisis hotline;
WHEREAS the Municipality of Mississippi Mills 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 Municipality of Mississippi Mills endorses this 988 crisis line initiative;
AND THAT a letter of support be sent to the Town of Caledon, the Federal Minister of Health, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications (CRTC), and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).