Essex-Windsor EMS supports Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Essex-Windsor EMS is flying yellow and purple flags outside its bases this September in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Essex-Windsor EMS is a proud community supporter of this vital awareness campaign being spearheaded by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch, in partnership with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadians under 25. In 2011, more than 40 residents from Windsor and Essex County died by suicide and there was a nine-year high for self-harm emergency department visits in 2015, according to the CMHA.

The key message of this year’s campaign is “You Are Not Alone” and the CMHA stresses that connecting and openly communicating with those who have had suicidal thoughts or those who have lost loved ones to suicide “is essential in the effort towards suicide prevention.”

There are several events planned this month including:

Monday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 pm.: A screening at the Capitol Theatre in Windsor of a powerful documentary called Suicide – The Ripple Effect. It tells the story of Kevin Hines, who survived a jump off the Golden Gate Bridge and is now spreading the message that life is a gift. Buy tickets.

Sunday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. at the St. Clair College Sportsplex: The 5km or 2km Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk. Sign up and grab a pledge sheet.

For more information on seminars and events, check out the Suicide Prevention Awareness Month calendar. 

If you need help or know someone who needs help, please reach out.

There is help available 24-hours a day and there are caring professionals ready to listen:

Community Crisis Centre (Ages 16+) 24-Hour Crisis Line: 519-973-4435

Windsor Distress Centre (All Ages) Noon to Midnight: 519-256-5000