Focus on a major preventable cause of premature death
Suicide is a leading cause of death for people worldwide, and one of the three leading causes of death for young people under 25. Suicide has biological, cultural, social and psychological risk factors but despite its often complex origins, suicide can be prevented. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for all sectors of the community to focus public attention on the unacceptable burden and costs of suicidal behaviours and promote understanding about suicide and highlight effective prevention activities.
In Nanaimo, the annual Soles Remembering Souls Memorial Walk will be held on Sunday September 13th. Other planned events include a three hour workshop, Suicide Awareness and Response, on Thursday September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day.
We speak with Heather Owen, community liaison and trainer with Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society, and Camilla McGuire, who shares her personal experiences related to the death of her 15-year-old son James, from suicide, in 2003.
