Local MPs host suicide prevention community meeting
Posted Jul 15, 2014 12:05:09 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Members of Parliament from Waterloo Region and health care professionals will meet at Conestoga College today to discuss the touchy subject of suicide.
The meeting is part of the 308 Conversations initiative, launched by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, designed to gather insight about ways to prevent suicide in Canada. Meetings will be held in each of Canada’s 308 ridings.
“We’ve developed four key questions that we’re going to be asking for people’s input” says Executive Director of the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, Tana Nash. “What are people’s ideas on how to break down stigma related to suicide, what are your greatest hopes and what are your greatest fears when talking about suicide and what do you need to be more comfortable in your business, in your home.”
Nash adds that suicide does not discriminate and claims lives regardless of age, income, education, social standing, race or gender.
“I think we do have a duty to do more” adds Nash. “I think we’re doing a great job in starting to bring down the stigma. It’s still there. But I think in our community we’ve really been working hard at that, and we’ve come a long way. But now it’s also time for action to back up that dialogue.”
Officials at the meeting hope the discussion will be sent to Mental Health Commission of Canada to help in a national suicide prevention strategy.
For support, please see the contact information and links below.
Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council
Need Help? In emergency, call 911 or go the nearest emergency department.
Crisis Services of Waterloo Region: 519-744-1813
Distress Line: 519-745-1166
Youth Line of Waterloo Region: 519-745-9909
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
