A woman who told VOCM News last year that the province’s response to suicide prevention was “horribly broken” is vowing to be the voice for those in the mental health system after her partner took his own life.

Gail Holloway last year raised serious questions after her long-time boyfriend sought help from the health care system both before and after attempting suicide.

Holloway says her partner was first admitted to the Waterford two years ago, but the medication he was prescribed caused him even greater problems.

He attempted suicide, and only for the fact that she happened to find him, he would have succeeded at that time.

Holloway says he made repeated attempts to have his medication changed, but nothing happened. He had repeated visits to the Waterford Hospital this winter but she says he only received more medication. This week he took his own life.

Despite her pain, Holloway is vowing to do what she can to advocate on behalf of those struggling with mental illness.