Grant: Doctoral Research Award - PA: IAPH Quantitative Research

Suicide in Aboriginal communities is a global health concern. In Labrador, Innu and Inuit communities struggle with high suicide rates, especially among young people. Although many studies have been done in this area, it is not known what interventions are most effective in preventing suicide in rural Aboriginal communities. Researchers and the health care system have identified important areas for future research, such as basic statistical information, community healing programs, and prevention services. Communities in Labrador need information to help identify at-risk groups, develop effective prevention programs, and improve access to health care services. As part of my doctoral research, I am working with Aboriginal governments, the Goose Bay hospital, and other community groups to gather information about suicide. The goal is to better understand the factors that increase the risk for suicide attempts and suicide deaths and to identify other factors that protect against these risks. To achieve this, I will be collecting and analyzing information on suicide attempts and suicide deaths from a community survey, medical records, and interviews with people who have attempted suicide and their caregivers. Community groups will use the results of my research to develop health services and policies to improve mental health in Labrador.