| Description: |
In an attempt to address the high incidence of suicide in the territory of Nunavut, an interagency information sharing protocol is being piloted in January 2013. The program involves the Department of Health, the Department of Justice and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ‘V’ Division. It will run in three Nunavut communities: Pond Inlet, Kimmirut and Iqaluit. RCMP detachment commanders will take the lead in these communities to bring together the appropriate agencies and implement the protocol. The protocol provides government and RCMP employees with a structure for sharing client information in order to prevent suicide and harm. Information is shared when an urgent or perceived risk is identified. The protocol includes strict guidelines to ensure that information is only shared when appropriate and the confidentiality of personal information is respected.
The protocol was developed within the context of the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan. The pilot will run for three months to identify operational requirements for successful territory-wide implementation. |