AHS promotes World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10

CENTRAL ZONE — Monday, Sept. 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, an internationally recognized event aimed at raising awareness and strengthening commitment and action to prevent suicide. It brings communities and organizations together in a collaborative effort to save lives.

Suicide affects people of all genders, ages and ethnicities – but help is available. Albertans can access services and supports at Alberta Health Services (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.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call Health Link at 811 to connect to services and support in your area. Throughout Alberta, many communities are taking part in activities to create awareness around suicide as part of World Suicide Prevention Day. Events taking place in Central Zone include:

Camrose

Sept. 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1: Suicide Survivor Grief Walk, followed by coffee and conversation, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hospice Office Mirror Lake Centre. Held in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Hospice Society of Camrose and District, and the Camrose and Area Risk Education (CARE) Coalition Mental Health Subcommittee.

Sept. 10 to 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: A display and pop-up coffee shop will be set up at the Camrose Public Library where AHS staff and the Camrose office of the Canadian Mental Health Association will be on-hand to provide information.

Edgerton

Sept. 13, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.: AHS staff are providing an information display for kids and parents at Edgerton Public School during the community’s annual Make the Connection Night.

Flagstaff County

Sept. 10, all day: In partnership with local businesses, ‘Table Talk Cards’ will be in restaurants throughout local communities to help start conversations about suicide awareness.

Lloydminster

Sept. 10, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: AHS staff will be offering a Tough Enough to Talk About It presentation at the Native Friendship Centre. Tough Enough to Talk About It (formerly called Men at Risk) is designed to provide participants with knowledge and awareness about mental health in the workplace. Open to men and women alike, the program provides information on stress, depression, how to recognize signs of depression and risks of suicide, as well as how to assist someone with the most appropriate help and support.

Sept. 15, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: A Walk of Remembrance will be held at Bud Miller Park, in partnership with Lloydminster Family and Community Support Services and the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation. Refreshments will be available following the walk.

Provost

Sept. 10, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: AHS staff are providing an information display, free information and resources during the community’s annual Community Awareness night at Provost Recreation and Cultural Centre.

Two Hills

Sept. 10 to 15, noon to 2 p.m.: A pop-up coffee shop and conversation table will be set up downtown by Two Hills Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) where FCSS, Victim Services and AHS staff will provide information.

Viking

Sept. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.: AHS staff are providing an information display with free resources at the Viking Carena Complex during the Community Awareness Night.

Wainwright

Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.: AHS staff are providing an information display with free resources at the Peace Memorial Multiplex during Community Awareness Night.

Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: The Wainwright & Area Social Action Committee presents The Working Mind workshop for managers and supervisors of workplaces big and small. The Working Mind is an education-based program designed to address and promote mental health and reduce the stigma of mental illness in a workplace setting. The workshop will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Church Hall. For program and ticket information, contact Christina Harvey 780-842-7522.

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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