A new $573,200 pilot program to help prevent suicide among children and youth in First Nations communities was announced by Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau today on World Suicide Prevention Day. 

Minister Jim Rondeau

“We have to find innovative ways to reach people at risk of suicide, particularly those in remote communities,” said Rondeau.  ”Modern technology has allowed the development of this unique program which allows us to virtually eliminate geographical distances and provide strong support to those who need it no matter where they live.” 

The program will focus on Pukatawagan, Berens River and Cross Lake, and discussions are currently underway to develop the program in a fourth community.  Enhanced Telehealth capacity will provide more access to child and adolescent mental-health and psychiatric consultations, increased support to community-based workers, improved treatment for clients and improved follow-up after discharge for cases where hospitalization has been required. Telehealth is a high-speed, secure, video link used to connect clients and health-care providers at different locations in Manitoba. 

The Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre is delivering this provincial program through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA).  

“We know community-based treatment for youth with suicidal thoughts and mental-health issues is less disruptive for the youth and actually leads to better outcomes,” said Dr. Keith Hildahl, medical director of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program, WRHA, and CEO of the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre.  ”With this program, the youth get to stay in their communities, close to their families and support groups, and still have access to the counselling they need.” 

Ongoing evaluation and outcome assessment will look at the effectiveness of the program and whether it will be useful for other rural and northern communities in the future, said Rondeau. The new program is receiving $378,000 as a component of Manitoba’s Reclaiming Hope:  Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (YSPS), a framework that provides a comprehensive approach to youth suicide prevention.  

“Having even one family suffer the tragedy of suicide is one too many,” said Rondeau.  ”This is a day to remember those we’ve lost, to support those left behind and to increase awareness of the threat that suicide poses and what we can do about it.” 

The WRHA has also received additional funding of $195,200 for the program through its annual 2009-10 budget which will complement the funding it are getting through the YSPS.   

BACKGROUND INFORMATION