“Recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day is key in helping to raise awareness that suicide is a major cause of preventable, premature death,” said Minister Currie. “It’s important that we all work together to ensure that those at risk get the help they need.”

The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization mark September 10 each year to promote global awareness of suicide prevention.

“Here on the Island, Department of Health physicians and staff who work in community mental health programs are well trained in suicide prevention, and assist survivors of suicide through grief counselling and education,“ said Minister Currie. “The Prince Edward Island division of the Canadian Mental Health Association has also done tremendous work in promoting awareness and developing tools such as the PEI Helping Tree distributed to all Islanders this week.“