Content Warning: This podcast discusses suicide, suicidal thoughts, and suicide bereavement. Some content may be distressing. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and seek support if needed.

Description: The final episode focuses on emerging and established approaches to suicide prevention in military and public safety communities. While stigma and barriers remain, progress is visible in policy changes, survivor networks, and growing openness around mental health. The episode closes with a clear message: meaningful prevention grows from connection, leadership, proactive planning, and family inclusion.

Moderated by:

Suzanne Bailey: Long-time social worker with Canada’s Department of National Defence and contributor to the Road to Mental Readiness program

Dr. Margaret Campbell: Assistant Professor in the Department of Aging and Family Science at Mount Saint Vincent University

Guest Panellists:

Sheri Lux: Widow of a fallen Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer and author of Finding My Fire

Mike McDonell: Recently retired police officer with decades of experience across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), a strategic operational advisor and board member for Canada Beyond the Blue

Relevant Resources:

· Memoir: Finding My Fire by Sheri Lux

· Canada Beyond the Blue

· Survivors of Law Enforcement (SOLE)

· SOLACE- Support Outreach Love Assistance Community Empowerment (Ontario Police Suicide Memorial family members)

· Ontario Police Suicide Memorial (Beyond the Blue)

· Ontario Police Suicide Memorial (Toronto Police Service)

· Police mental health peer support: Utilization and Impact of Peer-Support Programs on Police Officers’ Mental Health

· Care Navigators (OPP-Encompas Program)

· Encompas Program (Dalton Associates-OPPA)

· RCMP Operational Stress Injury (OSI) study

· Wounded Warriors

· Stoicism among PSP: Functional disconnection and reconnection: An alternative strategy to stoicism in public safety personnel

· Boots on the Ground (peer support for first responders)