Suicide: a major health issue in Halton

Although not an easy topic to discuss, suicide is a major cause of death and a major health issue in Canada – including Halton. Friday, September 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day, and Halton Region, along with the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition (HSPC), wants to raise awareness about the Coalition’s updated website that offers easy-to-access information and support for anyone either considering suicide or wanting to help a suicidal person: www.suicidepreventionhalton.ca.

Consider these local statistics:

• 30 suicide deaths occur each year on average in Halton
• In Halton there are over 420 hospitalizations each year from attempted suicides
• Halton Regional Police receives, on average, one call per day related to suicide

“Taking the lead from the Coalition, we can build a greater understanding in Halton about the warning signs of suicide and the support available to help prevent it”, said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “It’s a complex issue and I encourage residents to visit the updated HSPC website or call the Region for more information.”

Understanding more about suicide, and seeking help when there is any related concern, can help save lives. “The revised Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition website is a local effort to provide needed information to make a difference to the lives of residents in Halton Region,” said Walter Mulkewich, Chair of the HSPC Education & Awareness Committee who led the website revision. “In recognition of World Suicide Prevention day, we, along with other organizations across the globe, want to promote the simple idea that with a combined effort at international, national, and local levels many deaths by suicide can be prevented.”

Visit the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition’s website at www.suicidepreventionhalton.ca to learn more. For more information about what Halton Region is doing to support positive mental health, call us at 311 or 905-825-6000, or visit www.halton.ca/mentalhealth.

The Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition is a coalition of the Halton Region Health Department, local health and social services organizations, and individuals interested in suicide prevention.

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