More than 3,500 Canadians die by suicide every year, and suicide is the leading cause of death among British Columbians between the ages of 15 and 24. Suicide has also been in the news recently with the recent suicide deaths of two professional hockey players.

Saturday (Sept. 10) is World Suicide Prevention Day, and to mark the occasion, B.C. and Sea to Sky Corridor officials working to prevent suicides want to educate the public about the causes of suicide and the resources available to those suffering from depression and other forms of mental illness that may contribute to suicide.

Family members or others with concerns should contact the support co-ordinator at the Family Support Centre, operated by the North Shore Schizophrenia Society (NSSS) and covering all serious mental illness. The Centre can provide background information, help determine if there is a reason for concern and outline appropriate steps to take.

NSSS has been providing services in Sea to Sky since 2008, including a monthly support group. For immediate assistance for those who are thinking of hurting themselves, or are concerned about someone who may be in distress, call the 24-hour Crisis Centre Distress Line at 1-866-661-3311 or 1-800-784-2433 (Suicide).

Families coping with serious mental illness of any kind should call the Family Support Centre at (604) 926-0856 for personal support, education, and other programs. For the support group in Squamish call (604) 898-9372. Information on all serious mental illness, Family Support Centre programs and other resources is available at www.northshoreschizophrenia.org. Vancouver Coastal Mental Health and Addiction Services can be reached at (604) 892-6365. Child and Youth Mental Health can be reached at (604) 892-1400.

For more information about suicide warning signs visit www.YouthInBC.com.