NORTH BATTLEFORD — Saskatchewan’s Roots of Hope suicide prevention program is expanding to Prince Albert and North Battleford.
As part of Saskatchewan's Pillars for Life Suicide Prevention Plan, the province is allocating $400,000 in new annual funding to expand program, joining La Ronge, Meadow Lake and Buffalo Narrows.
Funding totals $1.1 million annually for all five communities and is operated through the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
Developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Roots of Hope aims to prevent suicide by relying on the knowledge and experience of local leaders to develop culturally appropriate initiatives. Examples in La Ronge, Meadow Lake and Buffalo Narrows include community-tailored solutions such as radio campaigns aimed at targeted, at-risk audiences, and suicide prevention training and support groups, which create broader awareness and prevention of suicides in the community.
"By drawing on existing, strong relationships we have with partner agencies, Indigenous leaders, a variety of community-based organizations and civic leaders to develop and deliver mental health support programming and training that is culturally appropriate and locally relevant, we are confident we can see the same successes in these new communities," SHA Integrated Northern Health Vice-President Andrew McLetchie said.
"Expanding Roots of Hope to Prince Albert and North Battleford allows communities to learn from each other and develop initiatives that meet their residents' needs more effectively," Mental Health Commission of Canada President and CEO Michel Rodrigue said.
The Roots of Hope expansion takes place as the province recognizes Sept. 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day, a day set aside to promote understanding about suicide, remove the stigma often connected to mental illness and distress, encourage people to reach out for help, and provide support for those affected by a suicide attempt or loss.
For information about resources available on suicide prevention and mental health, visit: saskatchewan.ca/u-good.
