CASP Urges Immediate Action on National Suicide Prevention Strategy

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, Sep 05 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) says that it is
time for the federal government to take action, end it's silence about
the approximately 4,000 Canadians who die by suicide every year and
establish a national suicide prevention strategy.

"Suicide is the most preventable source of death in Canada, and we need
to take action now," said Tim Wall, Executive Director of CASP.

Wall urged the federal government to move quickly to adopt a national
suicide prevention strategy. " Every day in Canada ten people die by
suicide and millions of Canadians have been affected by suicide and the
often devastating effects of suicidal behaviour. A national strategy
would help to unite all Communities, governments, organizations and
resources across Canada to work effectively together to prevent death by
suicide and to assist, educate and comfort those who have been impacted
by suicidal behaviours", said Marion Cooper, President elect of CASP.

Canada's suicide rate ranks in the top third among 82 countries, and
Canada lags far behind the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and
other countries that have had national suicide prevention strategies for
many years.

"In 2004, our association developed a blueprint for a national strategy,"
said Adrian Hill, current President of CASP. "Though it's been used as a
model to establish several provincial strategies, and has received
international recognition there's been no action on the national front."

With a federal election on the horizon, Wall hopes that voters will urge
all political representatives and parties to make a suicide prevention
strategy a priority.

September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day. CASP hopes that on
that day we will hear from all political leaders about their commitment
to suicide prevention and plans for a national suicide prevention
strategy.

CASP is dedicated to reducing the suicide rate and minimizing the harmful
consequences of suicidal behaviour. It focuses on sharing information on
intervention and research, advocating for policy development, and
supporting excellence in research and service in Canada.

For more information on CASP and its blueprint for a National Strategy
for Suicide Prevention, go to www.casp-acps.ca.

Contacts:
Media Inquiries
CASP
Tim Wall, Executive Director
(204) 794-8903
Email: twall@klinic.mb.ca

CASP
Marion Cooper
President Elect
(204) 940-2115
Email: mcooper@wrha.mb.ca

CASP
Dr. Marnin Heisel
Board Member
(519) 685-8500 ext 75981
Email: Marnin.Heisel@lhsc.on.ca

CASP
Mary Jo Bolton
Associate Executive Director
(204) 784-4047
Email: mbolton@klinic.mb.ca
Website: www.casp-acps.ca

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