Commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day with Music

Written by: The Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region (CMHA-ER)

An event, Creating Hope Through Action, was held commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10th.

To commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10th, The Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region (CMHA-ER) hosted a community event honouring this year's theme, Creating Hope Through Action. The event drew attention to our collective responsibility in preventing suicide and the importance of being able to talk to one another about mental health. It is in gatherings such as these that we know we are not alone in our struggles and efforts, which is the starting point for preventing suicide in Edmonton.

The Creating Hope Through Action event was held in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown at Root 107 featuring soulful live performances from Cuerdas Trio, Troy Turner’s Blues Band, and Saint & The Full 100 Band, and included a reflective meditation led by Pramila Sinha. It was an evening of community building and the celebration of life through the sharing of food, music, song, and uplifting energy.  

Speakers included Councillor Scott McKeen, Shalini Sinha, Chair of the City’s Anti-Racism Advisory Committee, Giri Puligandla, Executive Director of CMHA-ER, and Maria and Emily Garcia. “It really all started with Maria and Emily telling the story of their brother David, who died by suicide last year at the age of 26, to City Council a few months ago,” Giri recalled. “I told my friend Cristian (Munoz) and it resonated with him as a firefighter who responds to suicide calls. He volunteered to organize the concert and brought in the Downtown Business Association and Edmonton Arts Council. It was an unusual approach to commemorating WSPD, really to try and reach a broader audience who wouldn’t normally engage on this topic– everyone is struggling right now, so we have to think outside the box to get the message out.” 

Staff and volunteers from CMHA-ER’s Distress Line were present to offer support and resources for those attending.

Support for the event was provided by the Downtown Business Association, The Edmonton Arts Council and the City of Edmonton.