Miss You Most Art Exhibit Opening
At our West 5th Campus, a large crowd gathered to listen to remarks by suicide loss survivors and suicide prevention and education advocates. This event marked the opening of the Miss You Most photography exhibition. The conversation was started and guests were engaged as they came together to reject stigma and share stories of love, loss, and hope. We were joined by Chief DeCaire from the Hamilton Police Services, as well as Captain Joe Savelli from the Burlington Fire Department, and several clinical staff who specialize in mental health and addiction as well as suicide; each who shared personal stories about how suicide has impacted their lives.
Dr. Jennifer Brash, Psychiatrist and suicide prevention advocate spoke about her experience during the event, “I was honored to see so many people attend the opening. All the people here demonstrate the need for a reduction in stigma and interest in creating a dialogue about suicide. I’m hoping that people who are not involved in the suicide prevention community see the exhibit so they become more aware of suicide prevention and become more comfortable reaching out for help for themselves or loved ones.”
As leaders in providing care for individuals living with mental illness and addiction, we know that few subjects are as difficult to discuss as suicide.
At St. Joe’s, we want to start a conversation that will increase awareness of suicide prevention and break down barriers to important resources that can save a life.
In keeping with our mission to reduce stigma and encourage proactive dialogue about difficult topics in mental health and addiction, St. Joe’s has helped create an inspiring photography exhibit in partnership with www.leftbehindbysuicide.org.
Photographer Scott Chisholm’s work focuses on capturing people who have experienced a suicide loss and sharing their stories by framing their own writings about loss and recovery along with stunning photographs.
These images challenge us to reconsider our perspectives on suicide loss, inspire us to ask difficult questions, and remind us how precious life is.
The Miss You Most photography exhibit is currently on display at the West 5thCampus of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. It is located on Level 0 in the corridor leading to the Medical Outpatient Clinics, and is open to viewing during regular visiting hours: 9 a.m. -9 p.m., 7 days a week.
To learn more about this exhibit and suicide prevention and education, click to visit our webpage here.
The Arizona Project, a charity single from Brian Byrne (I Mother Earth) raising Suicide Awareness.
All proceeds to the Collateral Damage Project, which works to prevent suicide by encouraging open dialogue and gatekeeper training and was founded by Scott Chisholm, the photographer for the Miss You Most exhibit.