'You Are Not Alone' campaign plans several events for suicide prevention

CTV Windsor: Suicide prevention Local events planned for Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. Stefanie Masotti has details.

It’s a staggering statistic.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 4,000 Canadians commit suicide every year.

That is an average of 10 people a day.

The local branch of the CMHA, along with the Windsor Essex County Health Unit, are trying to change that statistic by launching a Suicide Prevention Awareness Week in September.

At a news conference Monday, Melissa Kinghorn shared an emotional story about her sister Stephanie.

Kinghorn claims her “best friend” and sister committed suicide on January 21st, 2003, when was in 15 years old.

Kinghorn claims excessive bullying at school led to Stephanie’s depression, but she admits their family never thought Stephanie would harm herself.

A new report conducted by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit found over the last five-years -- the number of youth hospitalized due to suicide attempts increased by a staggering 148 per cent.

But health officials say youth are not the only ones at risk.

Jeff Fravel also spoke at Monday’s news conference about his attempts to commit suicide after serving with the Canadian Armed Forces in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

Fravel encourages other veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder to find the strength to live on, and seek help.

Kinghorn adds it's essential to be honest with the ones you love.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is set to begin September 10th with the help of several community partners.

The theme for the week is "You Are Not Alone" – and it features various local events to help raise awareness and start a conversation around suicide awareness and prevention.

The activities will begin with a kick-off walk and rally along the Chrysler Greenway Trail.  The walk will consist of either a 22-kilometre of five-kilometre distance and will coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday September 10th.