This November, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, join us in our efforts to fight suicide and raise mental health awareness among Indigenous Peoples.
At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we know that suicide is the ninth leading cause of death for Indigenous Peoples. But we also know from research that suicide is often preventable.
Whether you're a member of an Indigenous community, or want to support those who are, the following updates and resources can help you learn more about the specific considerations surrounding suicide and mental health among Native Americans –– and how you can offer support:
AFSP's Public Policy team supports the CVSO Act (H.R.984/S.106), which would establish a new federal grant program to fund tribal and county Veterans service officers (CVSOs). In the absence of CVSO programs, Veterans and their families often pay high costs to coordinate benefits applications. This bill would be the first direct source of federal funding for CVSOs and tribal Veterans service officers. Importantly, federally recognized Indian tribes would be eligible to receive funding under the grant program the bill would establish. In short, the CVSO Act would help Native American Veterans receive access to their service-connected benefits, including (but not limited to) health care, education, and housing. Learn more about how to support this bill by visiting our Public Policy Action Center.
Watch "Preventing Suicide in Native American Communities." In this episode of our ongoing series, Elevating Voices for Long-Lasting Change, AFSP Senior Vice President of Research Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman moderates a discussion among three leading experts on mental health and suicide prevention in Native American communities.
Use and share our list of mental health and suicide prevention resources focused on supporting Indigenous Peoples.
No matter who you are, you are not alone. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has so many necessary and insightful resources that can help make conversations about mental health and suicide a little bit easier and more natural. We encourage you to learn more, including how to start a #RealConvo, by visiting afsp.org/TalkAwaytheDark.
