Sun West, Living Sky get $10K each for suicide prevention

EAGLE STAFF

BridgePoint Centre at Milden and the Sun West and Living Sky school divisions are receiving $10,000 each for suicide prevention.

The amounts to the school divisions, based in Rosetown and North Battleford, respectively, go toward training. The money for BridgePoint, the eating disorder recovery centre, is for awareness measures. The provincial Health Department made 53 grants worth about $480,000 through the province’s ”Pillars for Life” suicide prevention plan last week.    

“Developing leadership, reducing risks of suicide, increasing awareness of resources, reducing stigma and promoting healthy lifestyles,” represent the plan’s goals, the statement said.

"Suicide is a serious issue that affects many families and communities,” noted Lori Carr, the mental health and addictions minister.

Municipalities, school divisions and community-based and Indigenous organizations could apply.

Meanwhile, the federal government promised about $120 million to help pay for the 9-8-8 suicide hotline over the next two years.

“If you're feeling alone, stuck or overwhelmed, you don't have to face it alone,” said the line’s chief doctor, Dr. Allison Crawford of Toronto. “9-8-8 is here to listen and support you."

“Anyone who is experiencing a suicide crisis or who is worried about someone close to them can call or text 9-8-8 at any time to access to 24/7/365, bilingual, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support from trained responders,” the federal Health Department statement said.

“. . . There is no health without mental health and when Canadians are feeling good, our country is stronger, " said Marjorie Michel, the minister.