If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call or text 9-8-8.
Help is also available through the Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310 and Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 (text 45645).
Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, first launched in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention with the endorsement of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a day to bring focus attention on the problems of world suicide and talk openly about it so as to offer support, resources and connections to anyone directly experiencing, or supporting a loved one鈥檚 mental health challenges. We need to change the narrative around suicide from one of silence and stigma, to openness, understanding and support.
For over 40 years KCR has been a part of providing the Crisis Line safety net and we recognize the critical need for anonymous and immediate help for anyone facing thoughts of suicide or experiencing crisis. Today, meet Christina MacIssaac, our Crisis Line Manager, who came back to work with KCR at the end of 2023 to help launch the new national 9-8-8 Suicide Line. Below, in Christina鈥檚 own words, is her KCR story and how she has been part of building community with us.
I originally joined KCR in 1998 when the Crisis Line (CL) program was just over 20 years old. I was hired to review and manage the CL program which was operated by volunteers and determine its viability and need. After 6 months KCR determined it would continue and over the next almost 10 years, I brought the Crisis Line to achieve many milestones.
This included in 2002 being awarded the Central Okanagan Foundation Volunteer Organization of the Year Award. It was a great honor to have achieved this milestone along with the many amazing volunteers. During my time we were also instrumental in establishing what is known today as the 1-800-suicide line in BC which added another component for the volunteers and increased the number of calls coming in.
I left KCR to pursue other opportunities however I never really left. I continued as a volunteer in various capacities including having been the very first Friendly Visitor. As a Friendly Visitor I was paired with a lady and her 2 daughters who were new to Canada. She didn鈥檛 speak much English but was determined to learn. Through our coffee visits she became more comfortable in her new home and surroundings. As I became more familiar with her, I was eventually able to travel to her home country and through our connection I was invited to spend time with her family. This was a reward never imagined when I first started as a Friendly Visitor.
Volunteering provides so many rewards and many are things we would never have imagined. I have always had a passion for volunteerism and recognize the value volunteers bring to the world. I continue to this day as a volunteer offering the KCR Overview of Volunteer Management training. This continues to be a way for me to give back and share my passion for volunteering.
My passion for volunteerism extends also to my passion for helping others. This manifested into the world of crisis and suicide management and awareness when I was hired at KCR. Helping others and working from my heart has always been my reward no matter the eventual outcome of what I have done. This passion enhances any and all accomplishments that I have been rewarded with over the years. Being able to work with volunteers and work in ways to support those in need is my greatest joy. Working and living my passion has been a benefit I have never taken for granted and I look forward to more 鈥榮emi-retirement鈥� times helping others.
For more information on World Suicide Prevention Day, check out the special insert in today鈥檚 Capital News that includes information, resources and connections that we hope are helpful. You can also learn more at . For anyone experiencing loss by suicide, we send strength and courage and a reminder that we are here to help.
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.
