CPA announces the release of the CAF Clinician Handbook on Suicide Prevention in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces

CPA announces the release of the CAF Clinician Handbook on Suicide Prevention in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces

—Ottawa, ON, October 3, 2018—

The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is pleased to partner with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in their release of the CAF Clinician Handbook on Suicide Prevention.

“As clinicians working on the front line of mental health services, psychiatrists strive in our efforts to create a safer environment in which people can heal,” said CPA President, Dr. Wei-Yi Song. “This manual continues that spirit of recovery and healing.”

The handbook is part of CAF’s Suicide Prevention Strategy announced on October 5, 2017 and will serve as a resource for primary care and mental health clinicians to use when assessing, screening and managing CAF patients at risk for suicide.

“Clinicians working in the Canadian Forces health system are proud of the quality of care that they provide,” said the Surgeon General, Brigadier-General Andrew Downes. “This clinician handbook on suicide prevention, developed in partnership with the Canadian Psychiatric Association, is a valuable new tool that will help us provide the best care possible for patients at risk of suicide.”

Authors Juveria Zaheer (MD, MSc), Rahel Eynan (PhD), Paul S. Links (MD, MSc) and Paul Kurdyak (MD, PhD) worked collaboratively to ensure the handbook reflects best practices in evidence-based care.

“With suicide being the third leading cause of mortality in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel, the CPA is proud to be a partner in this important initiative that will provide improved care and support for the brave men and women who serve Canada,” said Dr. Song.

Production of the document was made possible through a financial contribution from the Department of National Defence. The CAF Clinician Handbook on Suicide Prevention can be downloaded here:

CAF Clinician Handbook on Suicide Prevention

The Canadian Psychiatric Association is the national voice for Canada’s 5,200 psychiatrists and more than 900 psychiatric residents. Founded in 1951, the CPA is dedicated to promoting an environment that fosters excellence in the provision of clinical care, education and research.

/ 2018