THUNDER BAY – Health – Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart has joined the Collateral Damage Project, a national not-for-profit that works to prevent suicide.

“With three of my close family members suffering with mental illnesses, I’m acutely aware of the need to break down the stigma that shrouds this taboo subject,” says Taggart. “By joining the Collateral Damage Project and being open about my own experiences, my goal is to help Canadians recognize that the time is now all of us to take a stand against suicide and, ultimately, save lives.”  

Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart Joins CDP

Before joining Our Lady Peace in 1993 at the young age of 17, Taggart grew up in Toronto, Ontario and learned to play drums at an early age. Taggart credits his creativity as the key to successfully preventing the depression that adversely affects his father and sister. 

“To me, I see this incredible link between creativity and keeping a healthy mind,” says Taggart. “Just like any other muscle in your body, creativity has to be exercised regularly — this is what has allowed me to enjoy a healthy and happy life.”   

Scott Chisholm, Collateral Damage Project founder and CEO, originally planned for the Project to serve as a coffee table-style book depicting stories and photos of those left behind by a loved one’s suicide. The idea blossomed in 2009, 27 years after Chisholm lost his father to suicide. Today, the project has grown to include a touring exhibition (recent stops include The Craig Gallery in 2010 and Nova Scotia Community College in 2011), annual fundraising events and local, national and international speaking appearances.  

Other Advisory Group members for the Collateral Damage Project include Alex Baumann, Denise Batters, Susan Aglukark, Russ Courtnall, Ray Zahab, Melaina Haas, Bruce Covernton, Dr. Andrew Starzomski, Dr. James Bolton and Jackie Dean.