Building on a solid foundation
CMHA shares preliminary plan for Suicide Prevention Strategy Development
The P.E.I. division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has released further details about how it will proceed with the development of a suicide prevention strategy for P.E.I., including a work plan for the project and opportunities to connect with the organization as it prepares to consult with various stakeholder groups this fall.
In April, the P.E.I. government announced plans to partner with CMHA on the creation of a suicide prevention strategy.
The organization has assembled a team led by Amanda Brazil, CMHA’s director of programs and policy.
“Our team was ready to get started on this project. The timing for a suicide prevention strategy for P.E.I. couldn’t be better,” says executive director, Reid Burke.
“Islanders want to live and thrive in suicide safer communities and we want to develop a strategy that supports that outcome.”
The team has developed a work plan for the project and has identified some of the key steps involved, including an environmental scan, local, regional and national research and stakeholder consultation.
The final report will include an accountability framework with progress indicators and a suggested implementation plan.
CMHA has been involved in community-based mental health and suicide prevention
efforts for several decades and has gained valuable insights about suicide through the personal stories shared by Islanders.
This knowledge, combined with existing provincial and federal reports and strategies, has established a solid foundation for the development of an effective suicide prevention strategy for P.E.I.
Brazil says the team does not want to duplicate work that has already been done. Instead, the goal is to build on existing knowledge, research and recommendations.
“We echo Health and Wellness Minister Rob Henderson’s earlier comments when he said ‘an effective strategy is needed to promote awareness about suicide, promoting prevention, resilience and a commitment to change’.”
The organization has established an email account for stakeholders to connect with the team, should they want to share information, research or other documentation relevant to the project (peisuicidepreventionstrategy@gmail.com).
This email account is not constantly monitored and should not be used in crisis situations.
The Island Helpline is available at 1-800-218-2885 toll free, 24/7, go to a local emergency department or call 911 for assistance.