Reaching out to spread awareness and resources
SOUTH 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:
- Lethbridge:
Monday Sept. 10, 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. at Lethbridge Public Library, 810 5 Ave South. The Community Interagency Suicide Prevention Council is hosting a day-long event open to all. The day is free of charge, but donations will be gratefully accepted. A light lunch will be provided. Topics include suicide awareness 101; suicide prevention in first responders; media and suicide (considerations and best practice); a message from a bereaved parent; and more.
- Medicine Hat:
Monday Sept. 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Monsters’ Ink Tattoo, 609 Kingsway Ave. Medicine Hat. AHS Addiction and Mental Health is supporting the Regional Suicide Prevention Council (RSPC) to partner with Monsters’ Ink for the Semi-Colon Project. A semi-colon indicates that an author doesn’t wish to end a sentence; it represents a pause and a new beginning. A semi-colon tattoo represents that concept in relation to suicide prevention. Monsters’ Ink has agreed to do real tattoos for people at a reduced cost, with some of the proceeds going towards the RSPC. Temporary semi-colon tattoos, coffee and sweets, and information about suicide prevention will all be available at a table outside the shop. Yellow ribbons will be tied on lamp posts down Kingsway Ave leading up to the tattoo shop.
Coffee sleeves with suicide prevention messaging and crisis line information will be distributed through five Medicine Hat coffee shops (Café Verve, Zucchini Blossom, Mad Hatters, The Station, and the College) on coffee cups purchased Sept. 10. Coffee shops in Brooks, Oyen, Bow Island/Foremost, Bassano, and Redcliff will do this as well.
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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