Mayor Gene Sobolewksi has officially declared September 10th to be World Suicide Prevention Day in Bonnyville.
Launched in 2003, the day is now observed in more than 40 countries worldwide. Stats Canada’s most recent figures are only from 2012, when just under 4,000 people took their own lives across the nation. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that about a million people die from suicide every year. It is the leading cause of death of people between the ages of 15 and 24. About eleven Canadians die of suicide on average every day and another 275 attempt it.
The full proclamation can be read below.
WHEREAS, on September 10th, communities across Canada and around the world will join together to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day; and
WHEREAS, eleven Canadians will die by suicide today, and another 275 Canadians will attempt suicide today; and
WHEREAS victims of suicide in the Town of Bonnyville are missed in all aspects of our lives: they were our co-workers, our neighbours, our friends, and our family: they were our loved ones; and
WHEREAS the victims of suicide are not just the dead: they include the survivors dealing with false guilt in addition to legitimate grief; and
WHEREAS most suicides are preventable;
THEREFORE, I, Gene Sobolewski, Mayor of Town of Bonnyville, do hereby proclaim September 10th as World Suicide Prevention Day, and urge my fellow citizens, our employers and unions, as well as our proud civic institutions to Connect, Communicate, and Care as called for by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
