This line is not for emergencies, please dial 911 in case of emergency or go to the emergency room.
Speak with a Registered Nurse
Our registered nurses are available 24/7 to provide you with confidential advice and support. Call us at 811 to speak with a registered nurse and get guidance related to your current health situation, mental wellness and addiction recovery, or for help to quit smoking or vaping. You can also use the same three-digit line to get in touch with poison control if you need.
Call us at 811 or 1-844-259-1793.
How We Assist
811 nurses assess your current health situation, provide advice, and direct you to the appropriate resources in your region. We can help with a wide range of issues, such as advice on communicable diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and other health-related inquiries. Your privacy is our priority, and our services are available in multiple languages including Indigenous Languages.
811 Mental Health and Wellness Support Line
When you call 811, press 1 to speak with a nurse from the Mental Health and Wellness Support line. These nurses are trained to help with mental health, wellness, and addiction recovery concerns.
They can support you with:
- Stress management
- Suicidal thoughts
- Abuse
- Sexual assault
- Mood changes
- Anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Substance use
You can also call 811 if you have questions or concerns about someone you care about.
811 is available in English and French, with translation services for all official languages of the NWT. Your safety matters. You can stay anonymous when you call 811.
Additional Support and Follow-ups
811 is dedicated to supporting your mental health and wellness. Every caller to the Mental Health and Wellness line is offered a follow-up call to answer any questions and help you stay focused on your goals.
Support to Quit Smoking or Vaping
Looking to quit smoking or vaping? Our dedicated team is here to help you on your journey to a healthier life. Call us for personalized assistance and resources to help you quit for good. Our nurses are trained to support you through your quit planning, provide follow-up calls to keep you on track and answer any questions you may have.
How We Can Help You Quit
The 811 responders will work with you to make a personalized Quit Plan, addressing your triggers and helping you make the necessary lifestyle changes. We provide ongoing support and resources to ensure you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
More Information
For more information, resources, and support on quitting tobacco, visit www.gov.nt.ca/tobacco.
On this Page
What happens when you call 811?
When you call 811, you will first hear a recorded message asking you to choose your preferred language. Then, you will be asked to choose a service line:
- Press 1 for the Mental Health and Wellness Support Line
- Press 2 for the Quitline
- Press 3 for the Health Advice Line
The recording will also provide the Poison Control number.
After you select a service line:
- A Health Care Navigator will answer your call.
They will collect your information, register your call, and connect you to a nurse.
When not to call 811
- When emergency services are needed, i.e., Ambulance – call 911
- When you are looking for lab/test results
- If you want to follow up about a medical doctor’s appointment
- If you need to see a specialist
- If you want to book an appointment
How a Call is Handled
Once connected, a Health Care Navigator will collect some personal health information to help the nurse assist you. Learn more about how we collect your information.
- The nurse will review your information and call you back within 30 minutes.
- If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, let the Health Care Navigator know – they’re here to help.
- If needed, they can transfer your call to a nurse right away.
811 Nurses will:
- Assess your needs
- Respond to your needs
- Refer you to the appropriate resource
Collection of Personal Information
Anonymity is always an option for anyone who wishes to ask general questions or is seeking support. In some circumstances, or when seeking medical information, details about age, gender, or personal information can be helpful in giving quality health care advice by phone. Callers can share as much or as little as they wish. Remaining anonymous does not impact your ability to receive services.
Questions may include:
- Your first and last name
- Your date of birth
- Your postal code
- Sex at birth
- Preferred pronoun
- Your telephone number in case they need to call you back or the call gets disconnected
- Personal information remains confidential.
How your privacy is protected
You can choose to stay anonymous or share only the information you’re comfortable with.
811 follows the NWT Health Information Act (HIA) to protect your personal health information. However, there are times when we must share your information:
- If you’re a danger to yourself or others (e.g., harm to a child, suicide, or hurting someone else).
- If required by legal processes, such as a court order or RCMP warrant.
- For file audits, where 811 management reviews the support provided during your call.
Everything else you share stays private unless you give consent. 811 nurses will always ask what information you want to share and with whom. They will get verbal consent before connecting you to any supports.
Learn about the HIA here: www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/protecting-your-health-information.
Service Accessibility
811 services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in all communities within the NWT.
NWT Official Languages Services
811 offers service in English, with interpretation services available for French and NWT Indigenous languages, and over 200 languages from around the world.
People with Special Needs
Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired who use American Sign Language or Langues des signs Québécoise can use the Canada Video Relay Service and call 1 (844) 259-1793, the toll-free number associated with 811, to access the service.
Feedback
If you have a complaint or concern, or would like to share your experience around 811, please email healthlinefeedback@gov.nt.ca.