Preventing Suicide in Tribal Communities—and Beyond | SAMHSA Blog

Preventing Suicide in Tribal Communities—and Beyond | SAMHSA Blog

Preventing Suicide in Tribal Communities—and Beyond

In the United States, overall suicide rates have increased significantly since 1999 in almost every state, but suicide affects some groups far more than others. American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 15-24 die by suicide at a rate four times the overall rate for this age group. SAMHSA focuses its resources through a new American Indian and Alaska Native Addiction Technology Transfer Center and grant programs to help tribal communities prevent suicide. There are also many other resources available from SAMHSA to help prevent suicide and provide support to those whose lives have been affected by suicide or suicide attempts. If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).