Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion

Suicide, suicide prevention and life promotion are important public health issues. Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

Niagara Region Public Health is a member of the Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition. This coalition exists to bring interested community organizations, groups, individuals and volunteers together to make Niagara a suicide-safer community.

In Niagara:

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29 year olds
• Women are three times more likely to attend the emergency department for self-harm injuries than men
• Men account for more than two-thirds of suicide deaths
• One person dies every nine days by suicide
• Suicide can be prevented

It's important to know that thoughts of suicide can happen to anyone and help is available if you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide.

Zero Suicide Toolkit

Zero Suicide is a framework for suicide prevention in health care and community settings. It's an aspirational goal that any death by suicide is one too many, and is based in the core belief that suicide can be preventable.

In partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care in London, Ontario, we have created a toolkit for community organizations to use to enhance suicide prevention work based on the Zero Suicide Framework.

This toolkit has been designed specifically to support organizations that are not a formal part of the health care sector. The toolkit enhances suicide prevention, and is a practical guide to expand the potential for suicide prevention within your organization and for the clients you serve.

Toolkit sections

• Introduction
• Plan 1.0
• Plan 2.0
• Do
• Study
• Act

Download the full version of the Zero Suicide Toolkit.

For more information, or to connect with Niagara Region Public Health about implementing Zero Suicide at your organization in Niagara, email Stephanie Hicks or Katie Cino.