Every minute on Earth, a man dies by suicide, while on average, men die six years earlier than women from largely preventable causes such as prostate and testicular cancers and mental health issues.
To shine a light on the problems men face, members of Moose Jaw’s police and medical services are participating in this year’s Movember campaign by raising awareness and funds to support the organization. This means men participating will grow moustaches, while their female counterparts will support the cause in other ways.
The Moose Jaw Police Service’s Movember group is composed of 15 members and is growing steadily, explained Const. Kyle Cunningham.
Men and women are taking the challenge and focusing on men’s health issues, particularly mental illness. While the men are growing moustaches, the women will run or walk more than 60 kilometres throughout November in recognition of the 60 men who die every hour worldwide from suicide.
“It’s a startling number,” he said. “Mental and physical health is very important.”
Residents will likely see some police officers sporting moustaches throughout the month, something that doesn’t always happen, Cunningham said. At the end of November, those members who participate will show off their ’staches and snap pictures.
It has been about eight years since the police service had a Movember team, he continued. The service thought it would get involved to raise awareness and have some fun. Cunningham joked that there will be bragging rights up for grabs for the best moustache among the policemen taking part.
Mental illness is a challenge in the community today, he explained. Many of the calls to which police respond are focused on mental health and addictions issues.
“We see people struggling out there … ,” Cunningham remarked. “It’s important that we as police officers take a lead role in this and especially in creating awareness … and that conversation.”
Moose Jaw and District EMS is using its social media pages — Facebook, Twitter and Instagram — to promote the fact it is participating in this month-long event, explained spokesman Corey McNeice. The team has six members attempting to grow moustaches by the end of November.
The goal this year is to raise $1,000; last year the group collected $925.
“When it comes to men’s health, just don’t be afraid to reach out, if it’s mental health or just getting prostate or testicular cancer checked,” McNeice added. “Just make that appointment and get checked and take care of yourself.”
Anyone wishing to support the police, fire department or EMS in this campaign can donate to the Movember organization. Simply log on and find one of the three Moose Jaw teams to which to donate.
