Nova Scotia Communities Get Support for Suicide Prevention

Nova Scotians will be receiving support in the battle against suicide in their communities.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, announced $400,000 in funding for Communities Addressing Suicide Together, an initiative led by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Nova Scotia division.

Under the four-year initiative, the Canadian Mental Health Association will use funding to support suicide prevention efforts in communities. The work involves setting up regional suicide prevention coalitions, disseminating suicide prevention expertise and aims to increase the number of people with skills in suicide prevention in each community.

"This important initiative will help local communities find the best approach to suicide prevention for their community," said Mr. Barnet. "It is a part of our department's larger effort to address this critical issue."

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection is leading the development of a suicide prevention strategy framework.

"Consultation has happened and government has listened and responded," said Carol Tooton, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Nova Scotia division. "CMHA is pleased to be the sponsoring agency that will support communities to address this issue."

"We're pleased that the initiative has been launched," said Barb Anderson, co-chair of the South Shore Safe Communities initiative. "We look forward to collaborating with the CMHA to continue to support our efforts in suicide prevention on the South Shore."

Suicide is the cause of death for nearly 100 Nova Scotians every year. It is estimated that suicide costs Nova Scotians up to $100 million each year, in direct and indirect costs in addition to its incalculable human toll.

Telephone crisis support is available by calling 1-888-429-8167.