Health and Community Services
September 4, 2015

Supporting Strong and Healthy Communities

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week Recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador

Reaching out and saving lives is the theme of this year’s Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week, and the Provincial Government is joining with its community partners in raising awareness of suicide prevention and support. Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week extends from September 7 to 14.

“Suicide and suicidal thoughts deeply impact individuals, families and communities. We all have a role in suicide prevention and support for those who are recovering after experiencing suicidal thoughts, or who have had loved ones die by suicide. By continuing our efforts to reduce stigma and connecting people with the help they need, we can make a vital difference in the lives of those who may consider suicide.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Newfoundland and Labrador (ASIST NL) provides world-leading suicide intervention training for people in the province. During a two-day interactive session, participants learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. To date, over one million people have completed the workshop worldwide.

The Provincial Government is continuing its partnership with Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Newfoundland and Labrador with $20,000 in funding to support increased suicide intervention training and workshops in Newfoundland and Labrador. Anyone over the age of 16, regardless of prior experience or training, can become an ASIST-trained caregiver. To learn more about ASIST training, visit https://www.livingworks.net/programs/asist/ .

“This year’s theme for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week is Reaching Out and Saving Lives. This is something we all can do. If you aren't sure how to do this, find a workshop like ASIST that offers training on how we can help those who have suicidal thoughts. To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place on Thursday September 10, I encourage people to place candles in their windows on that day to remember those who have died by suicide. Together we can help reduce rates of suicide in our communities.”
- Tina Davies, Vice President, ASIST NL

The Provincial Government provides approximately $100 million annually to support mental health and addictions programming and services provided by the four regional health authorities and over $2 million annually to support 10 community agencies that provide mental health and addictions services.

For individuals in distress or in need of help the provincial Mental Health Crisis Line offers 24-hours per day, 7-days a week, telephone crisis intervention services. For help, please call 1-888-737-4668; or call the Health Line at 811 to speak with a Registered Nurse.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is recognizing September 7 to 14 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Provincial Government has partnered with Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Newfoundland and Labrador (ASIST NL) and is providing $20,000 in funds to support increased suicide intervention training and workshops in the province.
• ASIST is the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop. Over 1 million people have completed the workshop worldwide. To learn more about ASIST training, visit https://www.livingworks.net/programs/asist/ .
• The Provincial Government provides approximately $100 million annually to support mental health and addictions programming and services provided by the four regional health authorities and over $2 million annually to support 10 community agencies that provide mental health and addictions services.
• For individuals in distress or in need of help the provincial Mental Health Crisis Line offers 24-hours per day, 7-days a week, telephone crisis intervention services. For help, please call 1-888-737-4668; or call the Health Line at 811 to speak with a Registered Nurse.

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2015 09 04                             3:15 p.m.