Suicide Prevention Annual General Meeting aims to construct hope together

On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition will host its Annual General Meeting at RattleSnake Point Golf Club, 5407 Regional Road #25, Milton get directions, Between Highway 407 & Britannia Road). A networking lunch will start at 12:00 p.m. with the meeting agenda to follow from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to learn of the Coalition’s progress, help set priorities for future action and participate in a discussion about what they can do to help.

“Suicide is a complex problem, but it is preventable. The Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition provides a way for us to work together as a community to address this complex issue, share experiences and strategies,” said Halton’s Regional Chair, Gary Carr.

Constructing Hope Together – Community Suicide Prevention is the theme of this year’s keynote address to be delivered by Heather Fiske, Ph.D., C. Psych. Dr. Fiske is a psychologist with over 35 years of experience in a variety of settings. A private practitioner, teacher and writer, Fiske is a long-time volunteer and frequent speaker for local, national and international suicide prevention groups, and is the recipient of the CASP (Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention) national service award. Her book, “Hope in Action: Solution-Focused Conversations about Suicide”, was published in Spring 2008.

“Approximately 30 people die by suicide in Halton every year,” said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Over 400 are hospitalized annually from attempted suicides. And for every suicidal death, at least six others are directly impacted. As a community, we need to break the silence. By talking openly and sharing experiences at events such as this, we work together to save lives and reduce suffering.”

The Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition provides leadership, advocacy, and education to the Halton Community on suicide, prevention and community needs. The coalition is a loose-knit collaboration of some 30 Halton organizations and agencies as well as interested individuals and survivors of suicide throughout Halton Region. Membership is open to all individuals and organizations concerned about suicide awareness, prevention, intervention, and postvention in Halton Region.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Coalition’s Annual General Meeting. There is no charge but an RSVP is required. To register, please contact Wynn at 905-825-6000, ext. 2983 or Winifred.Okeane@halton.ca.

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