What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day, held annually, is an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), and is co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO estimates that one million people die by suicide in the world each year. In Alberta, more than 400 people die by suicide annually. Suicide claims more lives than motor vehicle collisions.
This year’s theme “Think Globally, Plan Nationally, Act Locally”, is an opportunity to focus public attention on the burden and costs of suicidal behaviours, with diverse activities that promote understanding about suicide and highlight effective prevention activities.
How is Alberta taking action on Suicide Prevention?
A CALL TO ACTION: The Alberta Suicide Prevention Strategy is a provincial strategy launched in September 2006. The purpose of the strategy is to reduce suicide, suicidal behaviour and the effects of suicide in Alberta over 10 years.
Groups and organizations across the province are working on various initiatives to answer A CALL TO ACTION. Alberta Health Services/Alberta Mental Health Board had the opportunity to speak with representatives from across the province to learn more about the exciting and innovative work being done at provincial levels and in our communities*.
Learn more about how Alberta is taking action on suicide by clicking on the video clips below.
* For more info on A CALL TO ACTION and Alberta’s suicide prevention initiatives, click here.
A CALL TO ACTION (Provincial Overview)
Community Helpers Initiative
Active Postvention Initiative
Intentional Overdoses Initiative
Men at Risk
Centre for Suicide Prevention
Lethbridge and Area
Medicine Hat and Area
Calgary and Area
Red Deer and Area
East Central and Area
Edmonton and Area
Aspen Area
Grande Prairie and Area
Fort McMurray and Area