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Real Estate SPORTS See what's Iceliawks up on the markel 2-1 on Charqers COMMUNITY Postcard project bninqs ( cqruuihv -1 Lu ii_ rge 8 ZbMt (anabian *ITON L.IKE A (,(001) NEI<,HBOtR RM it1 % STATE SARM IS'IIIERE."« Don MacRae Anita Cutais miof 485 Mea St. E. Mil on METROLANO COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. 144 NO. 95 TLJESDAY,1i ý0 2004 $1.00 (GST included) - 48 PAGES "Using Commnication t0 Build Better Communities" ___________________Menta1 health group w alarmed by suicide numbers i By JASON MISNER The Champion Diane Doherty is disheartened that suicide is afflicfing Halton residents. "It's very conceming," sald the executive director of the Halton branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. A regional health department study released last Tuesday found a leadig cause of mnjury-related deaths among Halton males, ail ages, from 1995 to 1999 was sui- cide, resulting in 96 deaths. However, it's much lower Ihan the provincial average. Il also shows that hospitalizations from suicide attempts among Burlington and Oakville females, ail ages, is higher than the provincial average. Ms Doherty sald limited provincial fund- ing and few mental health heds for youth in the region must be addressed to reverse these soberig slatislics. "We've tried 10, get more funding from the Minislîy of Health and it hasn't heen forthcoming,' she sald, noting the branch Not just big..Lîfe sîze. The ail new 2004 Toyota Tundra Double Cab ln exciiag addition to our Toyota Trucks makes work & pIv are enjoyabie experience. Corne & test drive mue ioday ai our unique Truck Centre iocated at 386 Steeles Avenue flust 2 doors down from our Main Showrooml iHalton gels $325,000 a year from the Province towards its $600,000 budget. The rest cornes from the United Way, an annual auction and local and regional grants. "The hospitals have huge waiting lista and only se many beda available. lt's quite bad." There are 10 mental health beds in Oakville for youth and none in Milton, Burlington and Haiton Hilîs. It's difficuit to explain suicides or attempts, she said. "There's no one reason for suicide. It can differ ftrm ever person." Treatment, Ms Doherty said, is key. "If they gel on proper medication and get treatiment, they can have a successful life. Without trealment, of course you'll deteri- orale." Ms Doherly said there are programs and resources out there to help, lhough she wishes there were more. There are senu- nars offered bo professionals to learn sui- cide prevention training, as well as a hot- line for those feeling in despair lIn Milton/Haton. Hila, the hotimie is e. MENTAL on page 17 1 ou-r s-Comment ...............6 Datelino .............. 19 W 'WEr obeom of0 Champion Countr.. 25-27 Classifiod ..........30-32 -wun Cam~ Md o e«W conWbd f a abcem m t* Tumsday, February 10 a ftSn he eêt o 0 RRnaCaIwayf* .8partlM *Goodilfu Fbtfss * 0Glat flgor* PhofibyGRAAMPM Souhade Communlt Church* Coaset Mountain Sporir *elete are. only inO. rbii) l Ms Na(il l kl