CMHA Vancouver-Fraser shares support for Filipino community following tragedy at Lapu Lapu Day Block Party

We at the Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser Branch are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking tragedy that took place at Vancouver’s Filipino Lapu Lapu Day Block Party. The loss of eleven lives and the injuries to so many others have deeply impacted the entire community.

To Filipino friends, families, and neighbors: we are grieving alongside you. A day meant for celebration, culture, and community was instead marked by unimaginable sorrow. Please know that you are not alone in this — we stand with you, and we mourn the lives lost with you.

We are committed to offering support to anyone affected by this tragedy — whether you are part of our team, one of the clients we serve, or a member of the broader community. Grief can feel isolating, but healing begins with connection, and we are here to walk alongside you.

As we all seek to understand what has happened, it is important to remember that the presence of mental health challenges does not equate to violence. Most individuals living with mental health conditions are not violent and, in fact, are more often victims themselves. We ask that our community approach these conversations with care and resist the stigma that so often surrounds mental illness.

If you need support, resources are available:

• Victim Services: 1-800-563-0808 or 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca
• BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed)
• National Suicide and Crisis Line: 9-8-8
• BC Bereavement Helpline: 1-877-779-2223

Additional resources provided by the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver include:

• Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline: (604) 653-5858
• Migrant Workers Office Hotline: (604) 767-3354

As Vancouver hospitals continue to respond under a Code Orange, we encourage anyone who is able to consider donating blood to help those in critical need.

Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. CMHA Vancouver-Fraser remains committed to standing in solidarity with the Filipino community, and we will continue to support healing and recovery in the days and weeks ahead.