Daily Herald Staff
Prince Albert is one of two communities that will host a new anti-suicide prevention program.
As part of Saskatchewan’s Pillars for Life Suicide Prevention Plan, the province is providing $400,000 in annual funding to expand the Roots of Hope suicide prevention program to Prince Albert and North Battleford, joining programs in La Ronge, Meadow Lake and Buffalo Narrows.
The funding for all five cities totals around $1.1 million annual. The program is operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
“The tragic loss of one person to suicide is one too many,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said in a press release. “Mental health and suicide prevention are priorities for our government as we work with partners to reduce suicide rates in Saskatchewan. Community-led programs, such as Roots of Hope, are a key part of this important work.”
Developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Roots of Hope aims to prevent suicide by relying on the knowledge and experience of local leaders to develop culturally appropriate initiatives. Examples in La Ronge, Meadow Lake and Buffalo Narrows include radio campaigns aimed at at-risk audiences, and suicide prevention training and support groups.
The SHA said this creates broader awareness and prevention of suicides in the community.
“By drawing on existing, strong relationships we have with partner agencies, Indigenous leaders, a variety of community-based organizations and civic leaders to develop and deliver mental health support programming and training that is culturally appropriate and locally relevant, we are confident we can see the same successes in these new communities,” SHA Integrated Northern Health Vice-President Andrew McLetchie said in a press release.
Mental Health Commission of Canada President and CEO Michel Rodrigue welcomed news that Prince Albert and North Battleford were joining the program. He said expanding it allows communities to learn from each other, and develop more effective strategies for reducing suicide and improving mental health.
“We join the Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority in celebrating this exciting step forward in reducing the impact of suicide and promoting life in even more communities across Canada,” Rodrigue said in a press release.
The Roots of Hope expansion takes place as the province recognizes September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day. The day is set aside to promote understanding about suicide, remove the stigma often connected to mental illness and distress, encourage people to reach out for help, and provide support for those affected by a suicide attempt or loss.
In addition to Roots of Hope, the Province is also funding a provincial rapid access suicide loss support program through Family Service Saskatchewan. The program supports the immediate psychological needs of families and friends of people who have died by suicide or survived with significant injury or trauma. It also supports family engagement groups to gather feedback from families who have experienced suicide loss.
This year, Saskatchewan is investing $574 million in mental health and addictions services, including initiatives specific to suicide prevention.
Released in 2020, Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan serves as a guide for government and partners to improve and expand suicide prevention efforts in the province.
The Daily Herald requested an interview with a Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions or SHA spokesperson, but did not receive confirmation before press time.
