Tribal Suicide Prevention Summit Underway in Scottsdale

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »


Partnering with Tribes to Protect the Circle of LifeSuicide Prevention

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - Four federal agencies are partnering to sponsor the historic Action Summit for Suicide Prevention called, "Partnering with Tribes to Protect the Circle of Life" that begins today in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Sadly, American Indians and Alaska Natives suffer from suicide at higher rates than any racial /ethnic group in the United States. Fortunately, this summit is aggressively addressing the sad statistic.

The Second Annual Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) Conference will be incorporated into the Action Summit for Suicide Prevention and will include suicide and methamphetamine prevention learning labs from MSPI programs.

The four sponsoring federal agencies are: Indian Health Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.

"We are committed to using a collaborative approach to this serious, heart-breaking problem in our communities. Not one agency can solve this along, and we have reached out… to try a more coordinated approach in partnership with Tribes," commented Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Rosebud Sioux, director of Indian Health Services.

The objectives of the Action Summit for Suicide Prevention and the Second Annual Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative Conference are below.

  • Strengthen tribal, federal, state, and community partnerships
  • Advance the American Indian/Alaska Native National Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plans and National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
  • Create an opportunity to collaborate, network, and share effective strategies on topics in suicide and substance abuse prevention in Native American communities
  • Provide the most up-to-date information regarding best and promising practices to address suicide and substance abuse prevention, intervention, and aftercare
  • Provide the most up-to-date research related to suicide and substance abuse in Indian Country
  • Increase awareness and understanding of current, emerging suicide and substance abuse prevention programs
  • Pursue professional development opportunities.

A Walk for Life will take place the morning of August 4, 2011. For those who wish to participate, attendees will gather together before and after the walk for opening and closing prayers. The walk will last about 30 minutes.

"Partnering with Tribes to Protect the Circle of Life" will conclude on Thursday, August 4.

posted August 1, 2011 7:00 am edt

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