AHS promotes World Suicide Prevention Week

Reaching out and saving lives across Alberta

NORTH ZONE – September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, an internationally recognized event designed to raise awareness and to strengthen commitment and action to prevent suicide. It brings communities and organizations together in efforts to save lives.

Suicide affects people of all genders, ages and ethnicities. Each year more Albertans die by suicide than motor vehicle collisions. As a result, many Albertans have been impacted by suicide.

Throughout Alberta many communities are taking part in activities to create awareness around suicide.

The following is a list of some events taking place:

High Prairie

AHS representatives will be providing free coffee and donuts as well as suicide prevention resources and conversation:

September 6, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre, 4919 55 Ave.
September 7, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Freson IGA, 5032 53 Ave.

A display sharing suicide prevention resources and information will be set up:

September 5 – 15 at the High Prairie Municipal Library, 4723 53 Ave.
September 5 -15 at the High Prairie Health Complex, 5101 38 St.

Fort McMurray

AHS representatives are joining with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) representatives to provide suicide prevention resources and conversation:

September 6, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Urban Market, 9909 Franklin Ave.

“Take a Minute, Change a Life” – AHS, CMHA and SOS (Some Other Solutions) representatives are providing suicide prevention resources and conversation at local coffee shops:

September 11, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Mitchell’s Café, 10015 Main St.
September 11, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Stac’s Fine Food, 10023 MacDonald Ave.

Athabasca:

A display sharing suicide prevention resources and information will be set up this week at Athabasca Community Health Services, 3401 48 Avenue.

Help is available. Albertans can access services and supports at AHS sites across the province. AHS is committed to providing better access to support for those experiencing thoughts of suicide and for survivors grieving a loss due to suicide in the communities where they live.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call Health Link at 811 to connect you to services and support in your area.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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