POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 1 The Province of Nova Scotia is committed to improving health care to put the needs of patients first, and to investing in the services and care that people require. This includes doing what we can to prevent suicide – providing all Nova Scotians with access to the help and services they need to prevent a tragic event. Nova Scotia has a passionate and dedicated group of school guidance counsellors and health care workers whose goal is always to provide the best care possible. They are always open to improvements that reflect best practices and standards, especially when it comes to caring for our children. Some changes underway include bringing more mental health clinicians into schools, shortening wait times for assessments, and planning for better technology support for mental health services. I commend the Police Association of Nova Scotia for focusing the 43rd Annual Crime Prevention Guide on the very important topic of Suicide Prevention Awareness. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to people you can trust; a family member, relative, friend, or teacher. The mental health crisis line is available to anyone who is in need of immediate help in dealing with a mental health concern–including thoughts of suicide. The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the phone number is 1-888-429-8167. More resources are available at http://antibullying.novascotia.ca/. We will continue to work together to create caring and respectful communities for all Nova Scotians. Regards, Honourable Stephen McNeil, M.L.A. Premier
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