World Suicide Prevention Week Recognized in the Province

September 8 to 14 has been proclaimed World Suicide Prevention Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. Promoted nationally by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, this year’s theme is Hope and Resiliency at Home and Work which encourages conversation, connection, and mindful compassion as ways to help prevent suicide.

“This week presents an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide prevention, lift the stigma associated with this issue and learn about the resources and services available for people in need of help,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Through education, engagement and awareness we can help prevent suicide by being there for other people, noticing warning signs and creating ways to talk about the issue in a judgment-free environment. People should also take time this week to examine their own lives and their mental wellness. Having strong mental health is equally as important as having strong physical health.”

As part of World Suicide Prevention Week, Minister Sullivan will join with Community Minders in Grand Falls-Windsor next week as part of their weeklong celebration of life. Community Minders’ theme for this week is We Got CONNECTIONS! which focuses on the notion that connecting people in distress with friends, family or their community will help prevent suicide. Community Minders has several events planned throughout the week. For more information please follow the link: www.facebook.com/CommunityMinders?ref=stream&hc_location=timeline

“Our hope is that through our efforts this week we will be one step closer to a suicide safer community where people are connected and not afraid to reach out for help,” said Sheila Trask, Chair of Community Minders.

Over the past four years, the Provincial Government has allocated approximately $43 million for mental health and addictions services. This has helped provide services that range from prevention and early interventions to long-term continuing care, crisis care response and support services. In addition, youth treatment centres are under development in Paradise and Grand Falls-Windsor and are scheduled for completion in 2014; and, planning continues for an adult addictions centre in Harbour Grace and the replacement of the Waterford Hospital in St. John’s.

For individuals in distress or in need of help the provincial Mental Health Crisis Line offers 7-days a week, 24-hours per day telephone crisis intervention services. For help please call 737-4668 or 1-888-737-4668.

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2013 09 06                                 10:55 a.m.