In the News - CMHA Kelowna

What is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month?

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) in partnership with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is leading a campaign to bring awareness about mental health promotion and suicide prevention. They have gathered a large network of community partners to plan and organize the third annual Suicide Prevention Awareness campaign. The Suicide Prevention Awareness Month planning group includes representatives from all sectors including Workplace, Health Services, Community, School Boards, and Post-Secondary Institutions.

Why are we Focusing on Suicide Prevention?

According to the World Health Organization, someone around the globe dies by suicide every 40 seconds¹. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadians under 25 years-old². This is still happening despite the fact that suicide is preventable. For more information, read the Mental Health Profile Report: Windsor-Essex County by clicking here.

The key message for our campaign is “You Are Not Alone”. Connecting and openly communicating with those who have had suicidal thoughts or those who have lost loved ones to suicide is essential in the effort towards suicide prevention. Since many people are unable to express and discuss their feelings due to the fear of being stigmatized, we hope that this message will help those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or have lost a loved one to suicide to know that there is help available to support them in their journey towards healthier and more meaningful lives.

This year, the goal is to raise awareness for suicide prevention, improve education, and build skills in the community to reduce incidents of self-harm. We hope to increase public knowledge about suicide warning signs and where to access relevant resources and services related to prevention, intervention, and bereavement.

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Three videos have been created for Suicide Prevention Awareness. Please view and share using hashtags #SuicidePrevention2019 #YouAreNotAlone

*this release originally appeared on the CMHA Windsor-Essex County website

Did You Know? CMHA Kelowna operates more than 200 units of housing in the city.

Our years of experience and knowledge gained from housing vulnerable individuals allows us to continue to successfully do so at all of our current and future properties. In the same way that we are committed to working with this vulnerable population, CMHA Kelowna is determined to create a safe and inclusive community where anyone call home.

Did you know that some of the residents of our supportive housing are experiencing stable and secure housing for the first time in a very long time? Since being housed, many residents have connected with relevant community supports and resources to begin working on their wellness!

CMHA Kelowna has dedicated staff who work to not only find housing for those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness but also support them so they can stay housed. We do this through our Housing Team who oversee 146 units within our Supportive Housing Buildings and our Homelessness Services Team who oversee 70 units within the community through our Scattered Sites Program.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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Did You Know: Housing

Did You Know? CMHA Kelowna operates more than 200 units of housing in the city.

Find out more about our Housing and Homelessness services.

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