Gov’t launches ‘915’ suicide hotline

May 15, 2025 News

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─ to address mental health issues in Guyana

Kaieteur News- The Ministry of Health and the Office of the President, on Wednesday launched the National Mental Health Initiative, which unveils tools and resources to support persons affected by mental health issues countrywide.

The simple, yet significant launch, took place at the Ministry of Health’s Brickdam office. It was said to be a reaffirmation of collective responsibility by the government and stakeholders to address mental health challenges with sensitivity, inclusivity, and urgency. It was significant too, since May is known globally as ‘Mental Health Awareness’ month.

The initiatives prioritise accessibility and support, and seek to break down the barriers of stigma and isolation that too often surround mental health challenges.

As it is known, mental health intersects with social, economic, and community wellbeing, impacting individuals from all walks of life. As such, the national mental health initiatives are designed to be comprehensive, addressing not just treatment, but also prevention, education and long-term support.

The initiatives include the launch of an insightful animated series aimed at raising awareness; a mental health website dedicated to providing information with 24/7 chat support, and the introduction of a toll-free 915 suicide prevention hotline.

Delivering the featured address on Wednesday, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said mental health remains a major challenge for Guyana, yet it is often neglected.

“We don’t pay too much attention to mental health until it starts affecting us. And many years ago, Guyana has been known to have lots of cases of suicide and lots of challenges with mental health, but because of dedicated efforts, we have started to turn that around,” he explained.

He noted that over the last couple of years, the ministry’s mental health department has been changing the outlook for mental health in Guyana.

“When we look at mental health and perhaps suicide prevention as a subset of the issues relating to mental health, it is a big problem globally, and in fact, statistics from the WHO would show that every year, close to 800,000 persons would die from suicide around the world. To put that into perspective, basically, it is the whole population of Guyana dying every year of suicide, and that is something we should think about,” he informed.

According to the minister, persons died because of a number of problems, some of which include late diagnoses, lack of services and resources.

He added that this is not just a ministry of health issue, but a societal problem and “if we are going to deal with it, then all of us would have to work together to make sure that we can reduce the number of cases of persons attempting suicide or for that matter, we would like to see no one in this country actually committing suicide.”

Over the last couple of years, the minister said his ministry has been putting initiatives in place to address mental health. They include the introduction of the Suicide Prevention Act and the Mental Health Act, among others.

He noted, however, that there have still been gaps in raising awareness and educating persons about mental health. Commending the national mental health initiatives, the minister said this will bring about more awareness and educate the wider public about the services available.

Providing a brief overview of the newly established ‘915’ emergency toll-free 24/7 National Suicide Helpline, Director of the Mental Health Unit at the Ministry, Dr. Timothy Morgan, explained that this hotline is an answer to the needs of persons in Guyana to make mental health services more accessible wherever they are.

“Originally, in 2022, the Suicide Prevention Act was passed, which decriminalised the act of suicide; another part of that act called for the establishment of an emergency suicide helpline. Later on, in 2024, the national mental health action plan and suicide prevention plan were launched. In this plan, a call was made for the establishment of a suicide crisis helpline,” he briefed.

In fulfilling these commitments, he said the ministry has now introduced the national suicide helpline. Of the services which will be provided, if contacted and a person is in crisis, a rapid response team will locate that person and provide support.

Speaking about the mental health website, which can be accessed via https://mentalhealth.gov.gy/ , Public Health Officer at the Office of the President, Jessica Anthony, stated that the initiative is the brainchild of President Irfaan Ali, who strongly believes that improving mental health is essential to improving the lives of all Guyanese.

“Today we are not just a launching a website, a hotline or animated series, we are launching a vision, we are launching a vision of a Guyana where mental health is no longer whispered about behind closed doors or met with fear, shame, discrimination, or silence. A Guyana where everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, background or circumstance, has information, support and resources to be kind to their minds,” she stated.

She shared that the website gives people a centralised, accessible, and trusted place where people can learn more about mental health and access various resources. Notably, there is a 24/7 chat platform that is built into the site, equipped with trained mental health support agents who are real and not AI, who are there to listen and support.

“Whether someone is dealing with stress at work, family conflict, struggling with substance use, having anxiety, and these are just a few examples, our agents are there to listen and there to help. The chat service is confidential, and no one is required to provide any personal contact information unless they willingly consent to or request follow-up service, which, by the way, is provided for free at the mental health unit,” she explained.

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• at the launch of the National Mental Health Initiatives, Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, which is a collaboration of the Ministry of Health and the Office of the President. (Photo courtesy

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