Canadian Mental Health Association September Suicide Awareness Month 2022
The 7th annual Suicide Awareness Month (SAM) is an opportunity to connect and reflect. Throughout September several events and activities are happening in Windsor-Essex to generate awareness, understanding and education about suicide.
“There remains so much guilt and stigma around suicide and yet we know the only way we can help is to talk about it directly and encourage families to talk about the impact,” says Kim Willis, Director, Communications & Mental Health Promotion.
The Community Walk is back in-person this year on Sunday, September 25, 10 a.m. at the St. Clair College Sportsplex. This free, pet-friendly event includes remarks from community partners, a 5K walk, resources and refreshments. For planning purposes, pre-registration is appreciated online.
The walk is part of a larger community effort aimed at suicide prevention. In 2021 the Windsor-Essex community adopted the Roots of Hope framework, part of a national initiative from the Mental Health Commission of Canada that seeks to reduce the impact of suicide on local communities through community-driven evidence-based suicide prevention interventions.
Recent stats have indicated suicide numbers may be down but it is a very complex issue, says Willis. In many instances deaths are not documented as a suicide. Additionally, drug overdoses have increased significantly which is cause for concern with 19 Opioid alerts issued since January 2021.
“We need to start focussing on impact to families, impact to community and also how to continue with our suicide prevention and education programs. Fundraising is essential to support this work and thanks to generous donors like Caesars Windsor we continue to make progress,” says Willis.
“We are excited to partner with Canadian Mental Health Association and, together with our guests, provide support to their Suicide Awareness Month and address the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide. Supporting mental wellness initiatives is important to us and with this donation we are proud to ensure resources are available for the mental wellness of our community,” Mary Riley, VP of Marketing, Caesars Windsor.
A Virtual Vigil is planned for Saturday, September 10 (World Suicide Prevention Day) at 7:30 p.m. Suicide prevention trainings are also happening throughout the month along.
