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A Saskatchewan suicide prevention program is being expanded to two new cities.
The Roots of Hope program is expanding to Prince Albert and North Battleford thanks to $400,000 in new annual funding from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health. The expansion means P.A. and North Battleford will join La Ronge, Meadow Lake and Buffalo Narrows, where the program is already running. With the new expansion, the program’s annual funding adds up to $1.1 million.
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The Roots of Hope program, which was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, works with local leaders to develop culturally appropriate initiatives in order to reduce suicide rates. Those include radio campaigns aimed at at-risk audiences, suicide prevention training, and forming support groups.
The expansion of the program coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
“The tragic loss of one person to suicide is one too many,” Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan’s mental health and addictions minster, said in a statement.
“Mental health and suicide prevention are priorities for our government as we work with partners to reduce suicide rates in Saskatchewan. Community-led programs, such as Roots of Hope, are a key part of this important work.”
Andrew McLetchie, the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s vice president of integrated northern health, said the expanded program will help reduce suicide rates in P.A. and North Battleford.
“By drawing on existing, strong relationships we have with partner agencies, Indigenous leaders, a variety of community-based organizations and civic leaders to develop and deliver mental health support programming and training that is culturally appropriate and locally relevant, we are confident we can see the same successes in these new communities,” McLetchie said in a statement.