(CHAT News Today)

By Chris Brown

INFORMATION, AWARENESS AND TRAINING

Medicine Hat CMHA gets $220K to increase suicide prevention supports

Oct 28, 2020 | 12:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Medicine Hat is receiving more than $220,000 from the provincial government to increase access to quality suicide prevention information, awareness and training programs.

Funding for the CMHA Alberta Southeast Division will support the delivery of the SafeTalk, Straight Talk, and Tattered Teddies workshops, says the government in a news release.

These are free workshops offered to anyone interested in learning about the warning signs of suicide among adults, youth, and children. In addition, a skills-based suicide prevention training program for the general community will be offered.

The organization will also raise awareness about available suicide prevention resources including Buddy Up, a suicide prevention campaign that encourages men to help each other and access services if they need them.

As well, families already accessing bereavement supports through private counselling will receive support to continue accessing these services.

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Medicine Hat has been rocked by a number of suicides in recent months.

“We are saddened by the recent suicides in Medicine Hat and want everyone to know there is hope and that suicide is a preventable tragedy,” says Erin Reeder, suicide prevention coordinator, CMHA. “We are committed to supporting those who need it and are hopeful this increase in services will provide the necessary suicide prevention education our community needs.”

The province says collaboration between the two levels of government, Alberta Health Services, CHMA, school divisions, local police and community groups has led to a variety of short- and long-term initiatives dedicated to raising awareness about available suicide prevention and mental health resources and how to access them.

READ MORE: Mental health help available and more supports coming for Medicine Hat

Mayor Ted Clugston says the funding is greatly appreciated.

“Medicine Hat has been hit disproportionately hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing the loss of so many young men throughout the city. The families and the community continue to grieve knowing that children are left without fathers, wives are without their husbands and parents are without their children. On behalf of the City of Medicine Hat, I thank the Government of Alberta for their contribution to our community.”

The CMHA also recently received $100,000 through the government’s COVID-19 community grant program to expand an addiction crisis program in Medicine Hat that offers outreach supports to adults and youth.

“Suicide is a preventable tragedy, support is available and there are always options. I am heartbroken for the community, and the friends and families who have lost loved ones,” says Jason Luan, associate minister of mental health and addictions. “Alberta’s government has been actively engaged with AHS and local community agencies to ensure a coordinated response, and enhanced services are available to meet the needs.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis resources are available. In the case of an emergency dial 9-1-1. The Alberta Mental Health Help Line can be reached at 1-877-303-2642. The Kids Help Phone can be reached at 1-800-668-6868.