CMHA Vernon provides services that assist the public to gain awareness on how to recognize when a person may be having thoughts of suicide, what to do and where to get the necessary help for them. This is offered through materials, presentations, workshops and services such as the Crisis Line.
The Suicide Prevention Program’s purpose is to build capacity within the community through education and awareness campaigns. The goal is to reduce the stigma associated with the issue of suicide, risk assessments and interventions.
This program takes a lead role coordinating the Suicide Prevention Committee of Vernon and District, this committee is comprised of a variety of organizations within our community to have a vested interest in making a difference. Their contribution to our annual activities is essential to identifying current community needs. We are grateful for their ongoing involvement.
**Update: Due to COVID, ASIST workshops will not be available in 2020** ASIST is a two-day workshop that teaches participants to carry out life-saving interventions for people at risk of suicide. Over the course of their two-day workshop, ASIST participants learn to: Understand the ways that personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and […]Continue readingApplied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Need help now? If you or someone you know is in crisis now, please call 1-888-353-2273. Every day 10 Canadians die by suicide, while 200 more attempt to take their lives. The Interior Health region, which includes the North Okanagan, has one of the highest suicide rates in B.C. According to the BC Coroners Services […]Continue readingFacts About Suicide
Due to stigma surrounding suicide many people do not reach out for help when they need it most. That is why it is important to look out for warning signs and symptoms and act accordingly. Never be afraid to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide. Warning Signs Changes in weight or […]Continue readingHow to Ask About Suicide
You are not alone. There is support for individuals and families affected by suicide. Crisis lines: Interior Crisis Line: 1-888-353-2273 Interior Crisis Chat: http://www.interiorcrisisline.com/crisischat Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433 Canadian Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-2566 Counselling/Support Child and Family Services – Vernon: 250-549-5404 Mental Health and Substance Use Services – Vernon: 250-549-5737 Vernon Family Resource Centre: 250-545-3390 […]Continue readingResources
An 8-week group for people grieving the loss of someone who died by suicide. The focus of the support group is to better understand the uniqueness of grief and trauma associated with suicide. Losing a loved one to suicide can be one of the most traumatic and painful experiences of our lives. After a traumatic event […]Continue readingSuicide Grief Support Group
CMHA Vernon provides services that assist the public to gain awareness on how to recognize when a person may be having thoughts of suicide, what to do and where to get the necessary help for them. This is offered through materials, presentations, workshops and services such as the Crisis Line. The Suicide Prevention Program’s purpose is […]Continue readingSuicide Prevention & Awareness
Talk to family and friends about suicide Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide Educate yourself on suicide prevention and awareness Donate to local organizations, such as the Interior Crisis Line Talk to mental health organizations on how to get involved Help reduce the stigma by starting a conversation about […]Continue readingWays to Help
World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for everyone to join together to promote understanding about suicide from those impacted by a suicide attempt or loss, to friends or family, survivors, professionals, volunteers and community members impacted by suicide. Every year on September 10th, communities all over the world work together to prevent suicide. For the […]Continue readingWorld Suicide Prevention Day
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