Right by You

Dear friends -

It's been a busy fall and I'm finally getting to a place where I'm ready to take the time to write to you again. In the next few weeks I would like to tell you about the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention conference last October, about Andrew's and my experience hosting a Survivors of Suicide event on November 23, the networking connections we've made, and about the work our Washington friends at Forefront are doing.

In the moment, though, I want to forward you an appeal for action by Partners for Mental Health, a new organization that is taking a very active role in advocating for much-needed strides forward in mental health care and suicide prevention. Please see their president Jeff Moat's email below.

Lynn


From: Partners for Mental Health
Date: December 10, 2013 11:05:54 AM PST
Subject: Your action is needed now

Right By You - Partners for Mental Health

Dear Lynn,

We’ve come to a crucial point in our Right By You campaign in support of greater funding for youth mental health and suicide prevention.

Action is needed now. Every day, we lose 2 young Canadians to suicide. Almost 90% of people who die by suicide have a mental illness, yet the majority of children and youth – 3 out of 4 – who have a mental health problem or illness won’t get the treatment they need. And the average wait time before children with diagnosed mental health issues receive treatment is 12 months. This is unacceptable, and we need to work together to fix this.

In order to drive real change, we must show the government that this is an issue that matters to all Canadians. Local politicians need to hear directly from the people they represent – people like you.

It’s time to raise our voices with government. And we’ve got the tools and resources to easily help you get started.

First, sign the Right By You petition to show your support.

Then, contact your local politician using our toolkit to further amplify your voice and put pressure on our elected officials to act.

Specifically, we are calling on:

Federal government – to create a $100 million national suicide prevention fund.

Provincial and territorial governments – to provide access to mental health services, treatment and support to all children and youth when they need it, no matter their ability to pay.

These changes can happen but we need your help today.


Thank you,
Jeff Moat
President, Partners for Mental Health