Brianne and Justin Lagasse. (Submitted)
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John couple is launching an initiative aimed at increasing suicide prevention awareness and access to mental health resources across the North Peace.
Justin Lagasse and his wife Brianne have launched a GoFundMe to support the creation of a car wrap that will serve as a “mobile billboard” for suicide prevention resources.
Lagasse said the idea was inspired by the losses they’ve experienced among family and friends, including loved ones lost to suicide and others who have survived attempts.
The recent deaths of two youths in the community further motivated the couple to act.
“Mental health and suicide hit very close to home for both of us,” Lagasse said.
“With the recent losses in our community, we wanted to do something to get the community involved with providing life-saving resources.”
The project is being done in partnership with Autographics Trim and Signs, an auto body shop in Fort St. John. Lagasse said he approached the business with his vision and received immediate support.
The vehicle wrap would display the 24/7 crisis support phone number 988 and messaging focused on reminding people they are not alone.
“The biggest impact we think this vehicle will have is spreading awareness on the topic and having that phone number on there,” Lagasse said.
“It’s a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year phone number anyone can call. They can text as well, if they don’t like being on the phone.”
Once completed, Lagasse hopes by the early summer, the vehicle could appear at community events across Fort St. John, including car shows, parades and seasonal events.
Lagasse said the project could expand beyond Fort St. John to nearby communities if invited.
At community events, Lagasse plans for the vehicle to be set up with a table and informational materials, creating what he describes as a safe space for anyone who needs support.
“We want it to be a no-judgment, safe space,” he said. “Anyone can come talk to us, or they can just take pamphlets or information if they’re not ready to talk.”
Lagasse expects the car will carry printed materials with crisis hotline numbers, as well as stickers, bracelets, magnets and other awareness items that could be shared throughout the community.
Funds raised through the GoFundMe will first go toward the cost of wrapping the vehicle and producing printed materials.
Any additional funds will be used to support local suicide prevention initiatives and, potentially, new suicide intervention training opportunities in the North Peace.
Lagasse also said he hopes the initiative helps open more direct conversations about suicide, particularly in schools and community spaces.
“It’s often the outcome of bullying, stress or addiction, but it’s the part we don’t talk about enough,” he said. “It’s a real problem in our community.”
The initiative can be supported at its GoFundMe page.
“Thank you for everyone who has liked, shared and donated to this cause,” Lagasse added.
“Seeing the feedback [it has received] from the community online has really brightened my spirits.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
