Suicide Prevention Day: A Panel Discussion
Approximately 11 people will end their lives by suicide today in Canada. In order for this to change, awareness is essential.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day; a day that was created by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) to break the silence, encourage discussion and prevent deaths from suicide.
As an advocate of suicide prevention, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) in partnership with Hamilton Police Service and Minds in Need of Attention (MINA) are leading a panel discussion tonight. The panelists will include the Hamilton Police Services, representatives from COAST, mental health professionals from the community, as well as youth workers to help facilitate the conversation taking place tonight at the Westdale Library, 955 King St. W. from 6-8 p.m.
At St. Joe’s we know suicide prevention and education must be a priority in our community. By participating in open dialogue with our community, we are aiming to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.
“It’s our goal to provide the community an inclusive and collaborative approach to suicide prevention and intervention,” says Terry McGurk, Manager of St. Joe’s COAST Program and member of the Suicide Prevention Community Council of Hamilton. “Events like this bring the hospital and community partners work together, which is great because suicide prevention is everyone’s intent.”
Throughout our organization we have implemented suicide prevention strategies. Our emergency department is equipped with Psychiatric Emergency Services, where patients undergo a detailed mental health assessment by a team of psychiatric care clinicians. Other programs that support this initiative include Bridge to Recovery, which provides treatment for suicidal thoughts through therapy.
Anyone in the community can call our COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) program’s mental health crisis line 24 hours a day, seven days. Our mental health professionals will answer the call and are here to help anyone who needs assistance with a mental health crisis.
Mental Health In Our Community – A Panel Discussion
Join St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s COAST Program and the Hamilton Police tonight at Mental Health in Our Community - A Panel Discussion, brought to you by Minds In Need of Assistance (MINA). Westdale Library, 955 King St. West, Hamilton 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
More information:
Suicide Prevention Canada SuicidePrevention.ca
Suicide Prevention Community Council of Hamilton spcch.org
Read More here:
The Hamilton Spectator