Pages 493-495 in G. Pétursdóttir et al., eds. Circumpolar Health 93. Proceedings of the 9th International Congress on Circumpolar Health, Reykjavík, Iceland, June 20-25, 1993. Arctic Medical Research. 1994;53(Suppl.2)
Pages 493-495 in G. Pétursdóttir et al., eds. Circumpolar Health 93. Proceedings of the 9th International Congress on Circumpolar Health, Reykjavík, Iceland, June 20-25, 1993. Arctic Medical Research. 1994;53(Suppl.2)
The health status of the Labrador Inuit is worse than average Canadians. Problems include low income, unemployment, inadequate (1) education, (2) housing and (3) water and sewer infrastructure, alcohol and tobacco use, and family violence. The issue presently taking precedence is mental health. The Labrador Inuit are concerned with the consequences of poor mental health, suicide and suicide attempts, family violence and breakdown, child abuse and neglect, impacts of alcohol abuse within the family and community, and the high crime rates. The Labrador Inuit Health Commission (LIHC), the health affiliate of the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA), is mandated to implement plans to address these concerns. With funding from the Government of Canada, LUIC has begun to employ staff to work towards these self-identified needs. Funding is not easily assessable, and eligibility is an issue, but the funding and programs are moving in the right direction. The review documents problems in the Labrador Inuit communities, perceived needs of people, solutions they have outlined, and attempts to meet these needs.