By Sheldon Spackman

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Pandemic forces change of plans for local World Suicide Prevention Day event

Sep 4, 2020 | 1:48 PM

September is Suicide Prevention Month and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, officials with Suicide Information and Education Services are hoping to let people know they are still here to support central Albertans in these challenging times.

Previously, the organization has held an event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, which this year will take place Sept. 10. However, due to the pandemic things will be done differently this year.

Dawne Adkins, a certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist with Suicide Information and Education Services of Red Deer & Central Alberta, says this year’s theme is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide.”

“On our Facebook page, you will find “30 Thoughts to Ponder” – daily random thoughts or pieces of information, or even a light hearted joke, to let people know we are thinking about them and want to support them in times of need or challenges,” says Adkins. “In past years we have done a campaign called “What a Difference a Dime Makes” where we have placed donation cans in downtown business for the collection of change. This year this will be done online – we are asking people to collect change and drop it off at our building at the end of the month.”

Adkins says the idea behind the campaign is twofold.

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“A dime may be a small thing for many people, but collectively, can add up to make a big difference,” she explains. “In our case, funds raised go to our education programs – much like a small gesture or a kind word that can make a big difference in someone’s life.”

“Finding a dime after a loved one has died is often thought to be a sign that the person is being looked after or thought of,” she continues. “Given that we have programs to support people in times of grief and after a suicide loss, we want to acknowledge the potential significance of dimes.”

During the first four days of the campaign, thoughts to consider have included:

Day 1: Want to get control of your life? Stop making decisions when you’re TOAST (Tired Overwhelmed Angry Sad Triggered).

Day 2: You are resilient. You are strong.

Day 3: Several alternative questions you can ask someone instead of, “How are you?”

Day 4: “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

Adkins says suicide is a human issue, while prevention is a community effort.