Greenland tackles suicide

Greenland has launched a new suicide prevention program called “Parisa,” to bring down its suicide rate, which is six times higher than on mainland Denmark.

Every year, there are about 50 suicides in Greenland, with more than 1,250 since the arrival of Home Rule in 1979.

Greenland’s minister for family and health, Asii Chemnitz Narup, said the prevention plan will include local projects in every community that are designed to “improve the well-being of families.”

Alcoholism and violence in the home are thought to contribute to Greenland’s high suicide rate.

To focus on the issue of suicide prevention, a call-in radio show for youth in Greenland called “Innuusuttut Akisunnert” or “youths emerge from the shadows,” will devote a show to the problem of youth suicide and offer listeners the chance to call and consult psychologists and counselors for help.