B.C. targets suicide prevention with $3M fund

The B.C. government has announced $3 million for suicide prevention funding with the money targeted at developing a network of "community gatekeepers" who will be trainedto recognizefriends and family who may be developing early signs of mental illness orcontemplatingsuicide.

"Gatekeepers are notnecessarilymentalhealthprofessionalsbut those in a role of trust liketeachers, coaches andpoliceofficers, thoseoftenin a position to encourage those whoneed help to reachout," said Health Minister Terry Lake.

There are an average of 500 suicides in B.C. each year. Nationally the number is3,500according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The B.C.division of the CMHA willbe training 20,000 gatekeepers across the province by 2018.

"It's a half day workshop and this is just helping abroad basedpopulationaround"tell, ask, listen and keep safe", saidBevGutray, CEO of the BC CMHA.

There is also a twoday intensive program that will support people to help them navigate the province's mentalhealthsystem.