Spotlight On…Native Youth Program

Native communities experience higher suicide rates than other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the PITU Native Youth Program wants you to know that youth suicide prevention is a critical issue that requires community-wide effort and awareness.

Building strong, supportive relationships and fostering a culture of empathy are vital in safeguarding our youth and preventing tragedies. Key strategies include:

• Fostering open communication and emotional support: Young people often struggle with expressing their feelings.
• Encouraging regular check-ins and creating safe spaces for honest dialogue: This can significantly reduce feelings of isolation.
• Awareness: Educators and parents should be trained to recognize warning signs such as drastic behavioral changes or withdrawal.
• Promoting mental health education and providing access to counseling services: This can empower youth to seek help early.

Take some time to check out the resources below. To learn more about the PITU Native Youth Program, click here.

Videos:

• Suicide Prevention in Native Communities (3:05)
• Beyond the Data: Preventing Suicidal Behavior in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities (12:08)
• Native Youth Mental Health and Suicide Awareness (1:19)
• Making Connections: Suicide Prevention for American Indian Youth (8:42)

• Youth – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
• Native Crisis Text Line – We R Native
• Native American, Indian, Indigenous, & Alaska Natives – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org)