When one suicide leads to many

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If one person commits suicide, it’s devastating for a family and a group of friends. When suicides come in clusters, it requires a larger community response. The Attawapiskat First Nation of Canada recently declared a state of emergency after 101 people attempted to kill themselves since September. Can a single suicide put others at risk? What can community members and social workers do to prevent groups of suicides?

Guests:

Dr. Richard McKeon – chief of the suicide prevention branch at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Bill Yoachim – (Snuneymuxw First Nation) executive director Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Service

Tiger Brown Bull (Oglala Lakota) – executive director of the Oglala Sioux Tribe

Also Mentioned On the Show:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Suicide Crisis Chat

Break Music: Iskwesis (song) Randall Paskemin (artist) Goodnight, Sweet Dreams, I Love You (album)