The decision by Olds town council to provide $1,000 to help fund a conference to get people talking about suicide and depression is a good use of taxpayer funds.
Depression, which can lead to suicide deeply hurts family members who are left behind and takes away community members who, if treated properly, could be vibrant, vital members of society and contributors to the economy.
The conference, to be held Sept. 10 at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites, is free to the public. It's an opportunity to at least begin talking about the best ways to treat depression and prevent suicides.
It's not an easy topic, but it's one that is monumentally important, because each member of the community is valuable.
As the English poet John Donne so aptly wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself. Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” He added: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.”
dcollie@olds.greatwest.ca
"I hope they will find hope and I believe that's what will happen." ANDREA HAWIUKONE OF THE EVENT ORGANIZERS