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6 Acton/Georgetown, Friday, May 25, 2007 OPINION Life-saving site It's a topic that isn't often discussed openly and, to some, it carries an aspect of shame... something that should be kept under wraps. But those attitudes are slowly crumbling-- and wisely so-- in order to help those who need help. Suicide is not a pleasant subject but it is only by talking about the problem that solutions can be found. Earlier this month, the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition launched its new website-- www.suicidepreventionhalton.ca-- which contains everything from various facts and figures related to suicide in Canada to a long list of contact numbers for services people can call when in crisis. "Our role is to educate people," said Margaret Mercer, a member of the Halton Suicide Prevention Coalition who has also lost a loved one to suicide. Mercer says that suicide can be brought on by a number of different illnesses and causes and anyone who is feeling suicidal or isn't dealing with a medical professional can find help within the community on the website. Those who think suicide is not a problem in Halton may be surprised by the statistics on the website which show there is an average of 28 self-inflicted deaths in the region each year as well as 420 hospitalizations from suicide attempts. However, the site is not only for those contemplating suicide. There is another section dedicated to helping those affected by the loss of a loved one. It is estimated that at least 10 family members, friends or colleagues are affected by the death of a person who commits suicide. The website offers vital information on how people can cope with the loss and how to deal with the wide range of feelings they may experience. Perhaps most importantly, is a list of warning signs of what to look for in someone who may be suicidal. The coalition has high hopes that by putting this crucial information on a website people, who may have been too embarrassed to attend a public seminar, may get the critical information that could help them or someone they know. Mercer admits the site is not equipped to handle people actively thinking of taking their own life and that if you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal it is best to call 911 immediately. However, this site may help someone you know and love from become a statistic. www.independentfreepress.com Phone: 905-873-0301 Fax: 905-873-0398 Steve Nease STAFF DIRECTORY Publisher Ken Nugent Advertising director Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager Nancy Geissler (distribution@independentfreepress.com) ADVERTISING Advertising co-ordinator Jennifer Christie (jchristie@independentfreepress.com) Retail Sales: Jennifer Spencer (jspencer@independentfreepress.com) Adam Spinney (aspinney@independentfreepress.com) Andrew Key (akey@independentfreepress.com) Amy Sykes (features@independentfreepress.com) Real estate: Sue Spizziri (realestate@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds: Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) ACCOUNTING Rose Marie Gauthier, Michelle Wimmer EDITORIAL Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) PRODUCTION: Mary Lou Foreman, Kevin Powell, Shelli Harrison, Dolores Black, Debbie MacDougall LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Trustee is working for the wrong `team' Dear editor, Re: Trustees fight for control of Catholic board (April 20). As a Catholic taxpayer with grandchildren in the system, I am appalled that trustees, who were elected in good faith to work in the best interests of the children, would behave in such a deplorable manner. I agree with the editorial that Mr. Bailey's job as chair is to "ensure the trustees are following board policy". I find it interesting to note that when Mr. Bailey called a special meeting to review the roles and responsibilities of trustees most trustees failed to show, including Halton Hills Trustee Rosanna Palmieri. As this was the first time in 25 years that the board didn't have a quorum, my question is "Which trustees are causing the problem?" After reading the article April 25, I am glad the chair and vice-chair refused to be bullied into resigning. It would seem the three student trustees have more integrity and common sense than the five elected trustees who asked for the resignations. Unfortunately, they do not have a vote. Mr. Van de Vrande stated he could not believe the "arrogance" of the chair and vice-chair. The only arrogance I see is that of the trustees who asked them to resign. Ms. Palmieri said, "They need to work as a team". My suggestion would be that she joins the team who are working in the best interests of the children, not the bullies who are causing trouble-- that was the mandate given to her in the last election by the taxpayers of Halton Hills. It's a sad day in a Catholic board when an elected official who has served well for 27 years has to say the board meeting was the most "unChristian" one she has seen in those 27 years. Pat White, Acton Something bugging you? Send us a letter! Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Coverage `excellent' Dear editor, Thanks for the excellent coverage on ArtsWeek. All the activities were a success and well attended, thanks to you. I know that it is difficult to juggle the many press releases submitted from the various arts and sports organizers at this time of year. You did a great job and we really appreciate it. I hope that your readers will support Arts Week again next year. It certainly was fun playing host. People from out of town, new residents of Halton Hills and seasoned locals all marveled at the gorgeous scenery and the creativity of 50 talented artists awaiting them in the "Art in the Glen" event. All of Glen Williams was basking in the sunshine and it was a perfect weekend. We are so spoiled to live here! Lois Fraser Halton Hills ArtsWeek Common courtesy no longer common Dear editor, How come common courtesy goes out the window when one is doing well in business? Consider this: The fence between our neighbour's lot and ours is now long past its "best before" date. We are considering replacing it and for this purpose have asked four businesses to quote on the job. One person replied and came to have a look, measured the length of fencing required, discussed possible styles and promised to quote a price on the job. I never heard from him again. The second business called a week after our inquiry, made a date for a consultation, but never showed up and never called back. Numbers three and four never replied. I would have thought that our inquiries would, at least, have warranted a reply in case of numbers three and four. As far as number one is concerned, we would have liked to be told that the job was not big enough or too complicated or whatever. Number two obviously is so busy that a call back simply slipped their mind, or not. In short, common courtesy is obviously no longer common, a very disappointing state of affairs. What is a man to do if he needs a new fence, but cannot do the job himself? Magnus Kilian, Limehouse THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS The Independent & Free Press is published every Wednesday and Friday at 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown Ont., L7G 4B1. It is one of several newspapers published by Metroland Media Group Ltd. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance for signature will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the acceptable rate. In the event of typographical error advertising goods or services at wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. 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