OCMH Logo New
Office of Children's Mental Health


February 12, 2026
Contact: [email protected], 608-266-1683

 

*The Protective Power of Native American Culture*

The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) is detailing the power that Native culture has in protecting youth mental health. In the Culture is Prevention [ [link removed] ] Data Bite, OCMH shares research showing that Native culture has a strong preventive effect on mental health. That is, Native children with a positive connection to their Native culture benefit with a lower risk of suicide, depression, and substance abuse.

Research also points to several actions we can take to support Native youth. Communities, schools, policymakers, health leaders, and providers alike can promote traditional cultural practices like talking circles, drumming, ceremonies, as well as indigenous arts and crafts. Investments in language revitalization and outdoor experiences for Native youth are also beneficial to their well-being.

“There are a number of actions – big and small – that we can take to support our Native communities. Understanding the power of strong family bonds, spiritual connections, and cultural practices is a start," says Linda Hall, director of OCMH. "For Native American youth, understanding that this power comes from their own culture and already exists within Native communities is equally important.” 

Hall says, “Though many Native children face poverty, intergenerational trauma, and live in under-resourced communities, our office will continue to highlight the strengths of these young people as we work to build youth belonging and more hopeful futures for all children in Wisconsin."

See OCMH Data Bites [ [link removed] ]
See OCMH Youth Belonging [ [link removed] ]



Please do not reply directly to this email message. If you have a question, email  [email protected] or call the media line at 608-266-1683.







*CONNECT WITH DHS*

Find us on Facebook! [ [link removed] ]    Visit our Twitter [ [link removed] ]    Visit us on YouTube [ [link removed] ]    Visit us on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]    Follow us on Instagram [ [link removed] ]    Sign up for email updates [ [link removed] ]

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Health Services · 201 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}