The statistics are startling. More than 12 Canadians a day die by suicide every day, and for those under 25, it's the second leading cause of death.
This Sunday, hundreds of people will take part in the 9th Annual Suicide Awareness Community Walk.
There are events across the region.
In Windsor, a health fair and registration for the walk start at 8:30 a.m. at the St. Clair College Sportsplex. The event is open to the public, pet-friendly, and free of charge. Participants walk for 2 km or 5 km.
There are 5 km walks at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre's Earth Walk Trail in Belle River starting at 10:30 a.m., while in Leamington, the walk starts at 8:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church into Seacliff Park.
The Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch said 770 people died by suicide in Windsor-Essex between 2012 and 2021. Those deaths spiked in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Suicide Awareness Month not only increases public understanding but also mobilizes efforts to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, and community support," said CEO Nicole Sbrocca. "Raising awareness can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage those struggling to seek help, ultimately saving lives."
September was Suicide Awareness Month, but the CMHA-WECB works year-long to generate awareness and provide training through programs like safeTALK and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
The agency's website serves as an information hub for signs and symptoms of someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, crisis information, and resources.