Communities Addressing Suicide TogetherHighlights of CAST Activities 2011 through 2013Mike PriceNovember 12, 2013

Quick Facts About Suicide Suicide is more than mental illness Complex, rarely, if ever the cause of a

single element. Universally 4 things are known to work

to reduce suicide. Those universal approaches to suicide,

population health harm reduction and education….CAST Coalitions and Resiliency (CAST PSA)

Risk Factors, Warning Signs & Protective Factors

See handoutsGoal to have extra funding to distribute these widely, May recruit volunteers to distribute at vigils, conferences etc, Ethical dilemma- are of debate at CAST re: showing up at events that won’t adhere to safe messaging protocols or avoid altogether

Hope & Healing in NS Postvention Resource Manual was vetted

by several professional groups and the postvention subcommittee members for two years

A culmination of Canadian Best Practices interest in it as a model for National

Framework Request cards to minimize expense until

sponsors found.

CAST Programs

Reaching Out Roll Out Plan

a top rated video by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention video review committee (http://www.suicidology.org/stats-and-tools/videos-suicide-prevention). According to the American Association of Suicidology, the suicide prevention messages in the DVD are clear and well presented; there was no glamorization of suicidal behavior and no stigmatization of suicide attempters or survivors. The warning signs for suicide are clearly identified; adult resources are suggested and help-seeking behaviors are modeled. The International Association for Suicide Prevention endorses Reaching Out training as part of a comprehensive school prevention program that reinforces all the essential messages.

A rollout plan is underway with a goal to have all grade 10 students to receive this well researched and safe awareness workshop. The British Columbia Crisis Centre’s ongoing program evaluation reveals that this program is meeting its goals by breaking down the stigma and shame regarding struggling with suicidal thoughts and encouraging young people to reach out for help: 80% of students who participate in the workshop and see the DVD agree or strongly agree that they learned something new to help themselves; and 91% indicating learning something new to help others.

Interpersonal Theory of Suicide 9/11 When Boston won the World Series. Community plays a pivotal role in

suicide.

Community Outreach Incredible list of workshops, conference

presentations and trainings. We have reached 100’s directly this year…read list until group looks unbearably bored.

Cast has successfully contributed to a variety of initiatives like Hypersex Project and bringing , Terry Wise Women in Wellness

Community Coalitions Hopeful to work with NSRF to measure

efficacy of CAST Coalitions. Several changes made to make the

coalitions more engaged, sustainable and advocacy focused.

Coalition Manager Role will need to be maintained through new funding and grants.

Coalition structure depends on DHA structure.