Just over a week since Ottawa teen Jamie Hubley took his own life, a large donation has been made to help the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario identify the factors that cause youth suicide.
The hope is that the $500, 000 donation will help identify at-risk teens and develop treatment programs for them.
"It's important to recognize it but it's also important to have steps to treat it after you recognize it to be successful in stopping premature death of youth," said Dr. John Lyons from CHEO.
Two mothers directly affected by youth suicide were at the launch of the program Wednesday morning.
Stephanie Richardson and Wendy Hubley both lost their teenage children to suicide.
Richardson's 14-year-old daughter Daron died by suicide in November 2010. Hubley's son Jamie took his life earlier this month after years of suffering from depression and being bullied.
Daron Richardson showed no signs of suicidal thoughts.
"It doesn't matter how you get there," said Richardson. "It's a life filled with despair and unanswered questions."
Dr. Lyons says 15 percent of teens have suicidal thoughts. But the funding to treat youth suicide is inadequate.
"The stories have been shocking to my husband and me," said Richardson. "We had no idea the lack of funding and the terrible cycle that parents get into that can't get help for their children."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem
