World Suicide Prevention Day Raises Awareness
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk
MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville
Dear friends and neighbours:
September 10 marked World Suicide Prevention Day. COVID-19 along with challenging economic times has been hard on so many.
It is important to know that it is okay to not be okay. Taking care of your own mental wellness is vital, and not selfish. More Albertans die of suicide every year than die in motor vehicle collisions and this needs to change.
Our society has made progress to bring awareness to mental health and suicide awareness. Now, dedicated weeks like suicide prevention week and Bell Let’s Talk Day are bringing mental wellness to the forefront.
Alberta’s government has also recognized the importance of mental health throughout the province. In April, Alberta’s government boosted mental health funding by $53 million to assist with Albertan’s struggles during COVID-19.
I want to take this occasion to remember those we have lost and those who grieve them. This is a fight to save lives. Asking and talking about suicide is the first step to prevention.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or are worried about a loved one, you are not alone. There is help. Call 811, day or night, seven days a week, or go online to ahs.ca/preventing suicide.
As always it is an honour to serve as your MLA.
Sincerely,
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA