SUBJECT: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the University of Toronto invite you to participate in the webinar “World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Changing the Narrative.” The event will focus on the importance of responsible communication in suicide prevention, addressing how the media can contribute to change the narrative and promote greater awareness and collaboration in the region.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 10, 12:00 PM (Washington, DC time or EDT)

HOW: Virtually through Zoom. Register here.

Participants will be able to submit questions during the seminar. Journalists interested in conducting interviews can contact the PAHO press team at [email protected].

SPEAKERS:

• Renato Oliveira e Souza, Chief of the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, PAHO
• Mark Sinyor, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
• Hazel Othello, Director of the Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
• Fernanda Hernández, editor and presenter, Health section, Noticias Caracol, Colombia

CONTEXT: World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) with the endorsement of the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for 2024-2026 is: “Changing the narrative.” In the Americas, nearly 100,000 people die by suicide each year, and it is estimated that there are at least 20 suicide attempts for every completed suicide. Between 2000 and 2019, the suicide rate in the region increased by 17%, making it the only WHO region with this increase. Responsible media reporting is one of the effective strategies to prevent suicide.

LINKS

WEBINAR – World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Change the narrative
World Suicide Prevention Day 2024
Suicide Prevention – PAHO/WHO 
Preventing suicide: a resource for media professionals – Update 2023

SPEAKERS:

• Renato Oliveira e Souza, Chief of the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, PAHO
• Mark Sinyor, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
• Hazel Othello, Director of the Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
• Fernanda Hernández, editor and presenter, Health section, Noticias Caracol, Colombia

CONTEXT: World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) with the endorsement of the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for 2024-2026 is: “Changing the narrative.” In the Americas, nearly 100,000 people die by suicide each year, and it is estimated that there are at least 20 suicide attempts for every completed suicide. Between 2000 and 2019, the suicide rate in the region increased by 17%, making it the only WHO region with this increase. Responsible media reporting is one of the effective strategies to prevent suicide.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system.

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