Saskatchewan’s HealthLine 811 service has been an integral part of the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s response to COVID-19.
From March to September 2020, HealthLine 811 has answered over 200,000 calls, a 400 per cent increase as compared to last year. However, instead of dialing 811, some people have mistakenly dialed 211 for a COVID-19 testing referral.
What is HealthLine 811?
HealthLine 811 is a free, confidential, 24-hour service available to the people of Saskatchewan. Anyone with a health, mental health, addictions or COVID-19 related question or concern is invited to call 811.HealthLine 811 is staffed by experienced and specially trained registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and registered social workers who will assess health, mental health and addictions symptoms using evidence based medically approved clinical protocols. HealthLine 811 is able to provide health information, education, community resources, and crisis support to help manage your present situation.
HealthLine 811 provides up to date information on COVID-19, along with referrals to COVID-19 testing and assessment sites. To access the COVID-19 self-assessment tool and online information, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus.
HealthLine 811 services are offered in English with translation services available in over 100 languages. Deaf and hard of hearing residents can access HealthLine 811 by using the SaskTel Relay Operator service at 1-800-855-1155.
If experiencing technical issues with accessing HealthLine 811, dial 1-877-800-0002 to be connected.
Visit HealthLine Online for general information, videos, symptom-checker and other tools on a variety of conditions and illness.
What is 211?
211 Saskatchewan provides access to a wide range of community services and is an initiative of United Way Regina and United Way Saskatoon and area. 211 Saskatchewan offers a database of over 5,500 community, social, non-clinical health, and government services across the province, and can be reached by phone or on their website at sk.211.ca, as well as via text or web chat.
The Community Navigators who staff 211 focus on providing people with information on navigating services, but do not specialize in specific areas, such as healthcare or crisis intervention, and callers remain anonymous, though the navigators can make referrals to other helplines and services based on the callers’ needs. 211 Saskatchewan is available to help seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and over the phone can assist in over 175 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages.
HealthLine 811 and 211 are two of four three-digit phone lines; the others are 411, to access directory assistance; and 911, for emergency situations.