Suicide Prevention Day ceremony Sept. 9

Each year, more than 4,000 Canadians die by suicide. It is the second-most common cause of death among young people ages 15 – 24. However, anyone can be at risk of suicide regardless of age, gender, income or race.

In Kawartha Lakes, three local health organizations are collaborating to present the annual World Suicide Prevention Day event on Sunday, Sept. 9 (weather permitting).

The Canadian Mental Health Association (Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge branch), Community Care Health & Care Network’s Hospice Services and the HKPR District Health Unit present the “Take a Minute, Change a Life” free public event. The event will be at 112 McLaughlin Rd. in Lindsay – the site of the Hospice labyrinth garden. The event begins at 6 p.m. with information available about local community resources, followed by a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony will include the lighting of candles in recognition of lives lost to suicide.

“Local organizations such as ours are working together to prevent suicide, which requires the efforts of many,” says Jack Veitch, CMHA Health Promoter.

“In organizing the event, we are hoping to raise awareness about the supports available in the City of Kawartha Lakes and to provide an opportunity for our community to come together in honour of those who have died,” said Michelle Griepsma, Bereavement Program Co-ordinator with Community Care Hospice Services.

“We encourage everyone to come out to this worthwhile event to learn more about suicide prevention and support those who have lost loved ones,” added Jennifer Robertson, Public Health Nurse with the Health Unit.

For further information about the Sept. 9 event, contact Jack Veitch at or 705-748-6687 ext 1015.