The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Suicide Prevention Committee Every year around the world, Sept. 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to promoting worldwide commitment and action to preventing suicide. It is estimated that approximately 4,000 Canadians (over 10 people per day) take their own lives every year. This translates into over three million Canadians (family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, etc.) who are affected by suicide every year. The Flin Flon-Creighton Suicide Prevention Committee, represented by members from various agencies and organizations in the community, including the Northern Health Region, has made it our mission to spread the word that suicide is an issue that needs to be addressed our community. The key to preventing suicide is breaking the silence and stigma associated with it. People experiencing thoughts of suicide feel isolated and alone, and are embarrassed to speak with friends and family about their struggles. Caregivers feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to help people in their lives that they think may be at risk. This silence leads to countless suicide attempts and even death, and the whole community is affected. This Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Pioneer Square, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we are hosting our Fourth Annual Suicide Prevention Day luncheon. It is our hope that members of the community drop by and participate in an art project in which we are designing flags of hope in the theme of ''Hope and Resiliency.' These flags are also being created in our local schools and will be displayed at Pioneer Square. Please wear blue, yellow or red to Pioneer Square- the colors of hope and resiliency. Also, every year we ask that people in the community leave gently used shoes by the memory garden next to Mugsy's Deli to represent those we have lost to suicide over the years. The shoes are then donated to local people in need. These activities create awareness about suicide and get people talking which is vital if our goal is to offer hope and healing, and to keep our community alive and healthy. Anyone interested in learning more about our committee, or what you can do to help, is encouraged to contact Ebony Donaghy at the Primary Health Care Centre at 204-687-1350.
