On September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is recognized as a day to promote understanding about suicide and to support people who have been impacted by suicide. To help raise awareness about suicide prevention, the Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition is highlighting two initiatives:
- Messages of Hope are being shared with Niagara. Look for messages written in chalk around your community. Consider adding your own message of hope using #WSPD2020 and #WSPDNiagara2020, and share on your social media channels.
- Join Distress Centre Niagara at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10 for the 15th Annual Suicide Awareness Event, which is being held virtually this year. Join others for the online event to raise awareness about suicide – register at tinyurl.com/RegisterSAW2020 and follow the event page on Facebook for more details.
The Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition was founded in 2003, and is a group of more than 25 community agencies and members at large. The Coalition exists to bring interested community organizations, groups, individuals, and volunteers together to make Niagara a suicide-safer community.
In Niagara, someone dies by suicide approximately every nine days. Although some groups are disproportionately affected by suicide, no one is immune. We all have a role to play in decreasing the risk of suicide in our community.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, help is available:
- For immediate risk call 9-1-1
- For Adults in crisis contact COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) 1-866-550-5205
- For Children & Youth in crisis contact Pathstone Mental Health 24hr Crisis Line 1-800-263-4944
Media Release by Niagara Region posted on September 3, 2020