Yellowhawk’s Suicide Prevention program is making healthy hobbies and activities available for the community and offering and explaining resources to families, youth, and peers. We want to address unique cultural needs, with tailored approaches that respect and integrate tribal traditions, values, and beliefs. Some examples of opportunities we provide are, moccasin making, beading, ribbon skirts and shirts, berry picking, fishing, hiking and traditional outings. All made available by our Prevention staff throughout the year.

Early intervention is also huge in reducing suicide rates, referrals are available through Behavioral Health front desk. Local schools have access to referral forms where they can identify students in need of services and we can then assign a team to provide early interventions to reduce suicidal ideation and attempts.

Strengthening community bonds is a huge aspect of prevention, we provide programs that foster inter generational connectedness and mentorship. Many family based activities are available through prevention throughout the year, such as family activity nights with bowling and arcade fun. A large goal of our program is destigmatizing mental health issues within the community. Awareness and resource tables are present at all events which include informational handouts, swag items, and educational opportunities. Facilitating connections to crisis intervention services, hotlines, and therapy are important, especially in a tight knit community as the CTUIR. We also can provide tools for both immediate and long term mental health support.