Native American/Alaskan Native Youth Suicide Prevention

This collaboration between Indian Health Service and the Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University ("Contractor"), with the Stanford Psychiatry Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing ("CYMHW") to coordinate and expand on existing efforts to build a continuum of youth suicide prevention with tribal partners in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, while also initiating the development of a coordinated youth suicide prevention partnership with tribes across California. Background. CYMHW and Two Feathers Native American Family Service ("Two Feathers") have partnered with Northwest California Indians to evaluate the mental health prevention and early intervention impact of the traditional Yurok Stick Game and Flower Dance in several local communities within these counties. The intent of this effort is to strengthen health and mental outlook for the young people across the involved communities. Participation in the Stick Game and Flower Dance provides this and creates positive experiences of self-esteem, self-worth, positive cultural identity, community connection, desire for self-care, help seeking behavior, pro-social behavior, and hope for the future. These are supportive attributes for mental health and wellbeing.