Weekly News Round Up May 9 – 15, 2016
Hello Friends,
Every day we scan news headlines and social media for items of interest to the field of suicide prevention. Here’s what we found last week:
When safety, privacy and freedom collide – Globe and Mail
May 14, 2016
The Fraser Health Authority is reviewing the death of Eddie Young, 38, who died by suicide two days after being discharged from the hospital, where he was seeking treatment for mental health issues. Young’s mother requested to be told when her son was released, but the hospital said that due to privacy guidelines, they were unable to alert her. Some say the guidelines could be amended to include better communication with family members while still allowing the individual privacy.
Failure to safeguard – Globe and Mail
May 14, 2016
An inquiry into the death of Cpl. Shaun Collins, who died by suicide in a holding cell after being arrested for drunk driving, has exposed failed safeguards to protect against suicide in the system. Major failed safeguards include the “lack of medical follow-up after Cpl. Collins asked for mental health services” and a failure “to adequately search the Forces’ security information database” to become aware of his previous suicidality. Cpl. Collins was deployed twice in Afghanistan, returning the second time with symptoms of PTSD. The inquiry will result in a report of recommendations.
Fire trauma can affect the mental health of Fort McMurray children – Globe and Mail
May 13, 2016
Children are especially at risk for trauma after witnessing the wild fire in Fort McMurray. Having to hurriedly leave their homes, seeing their parents in distress, experiencing a complete change of environment, and witnessing the fire itself are just some of the factors that could result in trauma for the children of Fort McMurray.
Exclusive: Senator Brazeau’s darkest hour: ‘I let a lot of people down’ – Ottawa Citizen
May 13, 2016
This feature tells the story of Senator Patrick Brazeau, who opens up about his recent suicide attempt and what led him to reach a point of suicidal crisis.
What’s killing the world’s teenagers? Road accidents, suicide, floods – NPR
May 13, 2016
The University of Melbourne has released a report that compiled huge amounts of data from around the world, seeking to show the biggest risks for young people globally. The report found that the two main contributors to health loss worldwide for males and females were mental health disorders and road injuries.
Prince William calls for suicide awareness – Reuters
May 12, 2016
Prince William is advocating for suicide awareness in men, and encouraging men to be more open to seeking help. Prince William met with first responders to launch a coalition for men’s suicide awareness with first responders and CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably.
Hunting geese to help the youth in Cross Lake – CBC
May 11, 2016
One teacher in the First Nation’s community of Cross Lake in Manitoba takes his students out for goose hunting trips in the spring. This is in an attempt to curb youth suicides, which plague the community. The goose hunt gives youth something to do in a community with little recreational options, and a way to value themselves and their culture.
Health Canada announces more mental health workers for Attawapiskat – CBC
May 11, 2016
NDP MP Charlie Angus has criticized the government for “lack of federal support for youth.” The federal government has since sent out two additional mental health workers and a case manager for youth in the community, which is experiencing an ongoing suicide crisis.
Related – MP Charlie Angus presses Liberal government on Attawapiskat – Metro
May 10, 2016
Zero Suicide launched in Canada – St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation
May 11, 2016
St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation in London, Ontario has agreed to fund the Zero Suicide Initiative. Zero Suicide invites health care practitioners to aim for a suicide rate of zero. The initiative has become popular in the US, but this is the first time it will be implemented in Canada. This implementation is part of phase one of St. Joseph’s suicide prevention strategy.
‘The system failed her’: behind a suicide spike at a California women’s prison – The Guardian
May 11, 2016
A women’s prison in San Bernardino experienced four suicides and 20 suicide attempts in the span of just 18 months between 2014 and 2015, which is 8 times the national rate for female inmates.
Manitoulin Island students prepare t-shirts of encouragement for Attawapiskat – CBC
May 10, 2016
Students in M’Chigeeng First Nation are sending messages of support to youth in Attawapiskat, designing t-shirts with positive messages. The initiative, started by teacher Michelle Taukei, also brings in aspects of the medicine wheel, emphasizing positive physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Why suicide prevention is part of population health strategy – Hospitals & Health Networks
May 9, 2016
It is argued in this piece, co-authored by the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre Director Jerry Reed, that suicide prevention should be given more time and attention in the hospital and health system setting. The Henry Ford Health System and the Zero Suicide movement are given as examples of effective suicide prevention implementation in a health care setting.
Webinar: Identifying and preventing suicide among at-risk adolescents – ICRC-S
June 1, 2016
This free webinar, hosted by ICRC-S (Injury Control Research Centre for Suicide Prevention), focuses on how to identify and prevent suicide in at-risk youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system.
Our Journey Continues Conference – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
September 9-11, 2016
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will be holding the “first national conference for long-term survivors of suicide loss” this coming September in Chicago, IL.