Today the Government of Saskatchewan is recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day.聽 This annual event brings people together to promote understanding about suicide and support those impacted by a suicide attempt or loss.
鈥淭he tragic loss of a person by suicide is felt not only by family and friends, but by the entire community,鈥� Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding said.聽 鈥淲e want to assure the public that suicide prevention is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan.鈥�
In 2020-21, the Government of Saskatchewan is investing $1.2 million in new suicide prevention funding.聽 In the same budget, the Ministry of Health is investing a record high total of $435 million for mental health and addictions services and supports across Saskatchewan 鈥搃ncluding a $33 million increase over last year鈥檚 budget.聽 These investments will increase access to mental health and addiction services for individuals at risk of self-harm.
Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan was released in May 2020.聽 This plan coordinates activities to promote life and reduce risk factors related to suicide in our province.
The plan complements broader activities recommended in Saskatchewan鈥檚 Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan.聽 It includes public awareness efforts aimed at northern Indigenous youth, a population with a suicide rate significantly higher than the general youth population.聽 The five-pillar plan is a starting point for Saskatchewan as we seek to address needs and express our support for work already being done within Saskatchewan鈥檚 communities.
More information about Pillars for Life, along with information about available suicide prevention and mental health resources, is posted at . 聽
HealthLine 811, Kids Help Phone, Mobile Crisis and Hope for Wellness help lines are available throughout the province.聽 All of these help lines provide counselling, support, information and referral services for those who need help聽
