CMHA PEI marking end of yearlong campaign with Light Up the Island event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2024

CMHA PEI marking end of yearlong campaign with Light Up the Island event

Charlottetown-–The Canadian Mental Health Association PEI Division (CMHA PEI) is soon marking the end of its year-long campaign, Challenge for Change, which began September 10, 2023, on World Suicide Prevention Day, a day recognized internationally to promote understanding about suicide and those impacted by a suicide attempt or loss. Throughout this past year, CMHA has been educating Islanders to reduce the stigma and increase positive changes around mental health and life promotion. They’ve also encouraged people to find their light/beacon of hope and stay committed to increasing their well-being.

CMHA’s Executive Director, Shelley Muzika, says, “This past year we have challenged Islanders to create hope through action while continuing to promote our overall mission of mental health for all. We were pleased and encouraged that many Islanders attended information sessions, training, and events on the importance of putting their mental health first and being educated about life promotion.”

The conclusion of the Challenge for Change campaign ends on World Suicide Prevention Day, Tuesday, September 10. On this day, CMHA PEI is inviting Islanders to Light Up the Island for Change by placing a candle (or tealight) in the window at 8:00 pm in memory of those who have died by suicide and to recognize those who have survived suicide attempts. This will also be a beacon of hope signifying better mental health for all and increased positive change for mental health and life promotion.

Muzika says, “CMHA has recognized and participated in World Suicide Prevention Day since it was established in 2003. It’s now a day observed worldwide in over 60 countries. The significance of this increased participation is proof that awareness and education are vital in reducing stigma surrounding suicide.”

The general public is asked to go to CMHA’s website at www.pei.cmha.ca to find out how you can get involved in the “Light Up the Island” event including following CMHA and sharing content through social media channels.

For more information on World Suicide Prevention Day including how to register for their online event on September 10 and to download a toolkit and banners, please visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) website: www.suicideprevention.ca

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BACKGROUND

Canadian Mental Health Association

Each year 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness or mental health issue, but 5 in 5 Canadians have mental health – we all need to have access to mental health care.

The Canadian Mental Health Association – PEI is one of ten provincial divisions of Canada’s first and only truly national mental health organization. Specialized services and supports are delivered in, and tailored to, the community and its mental health needs. CMHA-PEI exists to promote the mental health of all persons on the Island by working with individuals, groups and communities to increase control over and enhance their mental health. CMHA also provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses and support recovery and resilience. For more information visit their website: www.pei.cmha.ca

World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an annual awareness and advocacy day established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Since its establishment in 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day has grown into a global movement, uniting people worldwide in a common cause – to prevent suicide. For the last 21 years, it has been successful in raising awareness about the issue, reducing stigma, and encouraging action to prevent suicide and suicidal behaviour. Each year hundreds of events are held worldwide aimed at reaching national organizations, governments, and the public.

Media Contact/ Interview Requests:

Lori Morris

Communications Coordinator

Canadian Mental Health Association PEI Division

[email protected]

902-393-6416