ROCKVILLE, Md.—The Indian Health Service (IHS) is announcing eight grants for the Zero Suicide Initiative. This program supports projects that promote improvements within a system of care for those at risk for suicide by implementing a comprehensive and culturally informed approach in the Indian health system.
“Suicide and its causes are a complex topic but we are working to better understand some of the underlying factors including social and environmental influences, substance misuse and intergenerational trauma,” said Rear Adm. Michael D. Weahkee, acting director of the Indian Health Service. “These grants will allow facilities to provide culturally appropriate care to improve and maximize effectiveness of services that can protect individuals against suicide risk.”
The eight selected locations include three direct services (IHS) and five tribal sites (*):
• Apache Behavioral Health Service, Inc.—Whiteriver, Ariz. $400,000 *
• Chinle Comprehensive Health-care Facility—Chinle, Ariz. $400,000
• Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board—Fort Defiance, Ariz. $400,000 *
• Gallup Indian Medical Center—Gallup, N. M.$400,000
• Lawton Indian Hospital—Lawton, Okla. $400,000
• Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisc.—Keshena, Wisconsin $400,000 *
• Pueblo of Acoma—Acoma, N. M. $400,000 *
• Rocky Boy Health Board—Box Elder, Mont. $400,000 *
The Zero Suicide model is a comprehensive approach to suicide care that aims to reduce the risk of suicide for all individuals seen in health care systems. Zero Suicide represents a commitment to patient safety and to the safety and support of clinical staff who treat and support suicidal patients. Zero Suicide encompasses seven core goals: Lead, Train, Identify, Engage, Treat, Transition and Improve.
The IHS Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) serves as the primary source of national advocacy, policy development, management and administration of behavioral health, alcohol and substance abuse and family violence prevention programs. Working with tribes, tribal organizations and Urban Indian Organizations, DBH coordinates national efforts to develop and implement evidence/practice-based and cultural-based practices in Indian country.
The IHS, an agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives.
