National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy Released (Audio)

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) released the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy yesterday.

Natan Obed is the President for ITK.

He says that the strategy is a series of actions and interventions to address the high number of deaths by suicide among Inuit.

It promotes a shared understanding of the context and underlying risk factors for suicide in Inuit communities.

It also guides policy at the regional and national levels on evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention.

To support implementation of the strategy, Health Canada announced $9 million for Inuit-specific approaches to improving mental wellness.

This funding includes dedicated resources for early childhood development programs; supporting a fund for Inuit-led suicide prevention projects, programs and initiatives administered jointly by Inuit and Health Canada; and supporting Inuit-led coordination, outreach and education for suicide preventions.

Click here to hear Obed give us more details about the National Inuit Suicide prevention Strategy.