Government of Sask. awards 53 grants to support suicide-prevention initiatives

The Government of Saskatchewan is awarding 53 grants to support initiatives aiming to reduce suicide rates.

The Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which was first announced in September, provides grants up to $10,000 to community organizations developing “creative ways to support suicide prevention.”

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The government said the funding adds up to nearly $480,000 and said applications from community groups, Indigenous organizations, school divisions and municipalities were accepted.

Lori Carr, Saskatchewan’s mental health and addictions minister, said she was “thrilled” with the response after the program was announced.

“Suicide is a serious issue that affects many families and communities,” Carr said in a statement.

“Our government is committed to addressing self-harm and suicide by continuing our collaborative work with partners to support the mental health of Saskatchewan residents.”

Rick West, one of the grant recipients, said he and his wife Debbie lost their son, Lincoln West, to suicide on Father’s Day last year.

“As you can imagine, our priorities in life have shifted and Debbie and I are determined to turn our pain into purpose. In October 2024, we formed the Lincoln’s Life Mattered Foundation with the goal of shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. The grant provided by the Ministry of Health is critical in helping our newly formed foundation achieve this goal,” West said, quoted in a government statement.

“The funds will directly support our Healthy Minds, Healthy Communities initiative which offers Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training to participants. The workshops are designed to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma and equip parents, youth, educators and coaches with practical tools to support mental health and prevent suicide.”

The government said this year it is investing “a record $624 million in mental health and addictions, which includes $2.25 million specifically for suicide prevention initiatives.”

A full list of the grant recipients can be found on the provincial government’s website.