Washoe Nation

The Washoe Nation (WN) Health Clinic Healing Center’s youth suicide prevention and early intervention project will improve/expand upon strategies in behavioral health programs, educational Institutions, juvenile justice systems, and other child- youth-serving organizations for ages 10-24 struggling with trauma, depression, and/or suicidal ideation living in WN’s four reservation communities( Carson, Dresslerville, Stewart, and Woodfords) and surrounding areas. Services target Washoe and American Indian/ Alaskan Native youth and their family members in the community sitting. Prevention (improve response to suicide) includes informing participants, partners, professionals, and the public in effort to prevent, delay, reduce or eliminate suicide and promote wellness in the communities. It will include universal, selective and indicated prevention types. Strategies will include information dissemination (public awareness campaign), education, alternatives, early identification/referrals, capacity building, and environment (tribal codes). Quarterly community presentations, submission to the Health Centers newsletter, and community wide activities will take place in the communities. Early Intervention (screening and referral will increase our community’s ability to identify and refer youth at risk for suicide in multiple departments throughout the WN including, but now limited to, education , health, juvenile probation, recreation and social services ( including Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). Gatekeeper and Crisis Intervention training for 50 community providers, partners, and public takes place eight times per year (400 total). Early Intervention (assessment and services) will naturally result after a positive screen and referral. A school-based Mental Health Therapist will provide crisis intervention , assessment and treatment (including post-suicide intervention) onsite within the school system for an estimated 30 youth per year. Continuing Care Services (including post suicide intervention) will assist youth in transition (step down) from more intensive to less intensive services as they reconnect with their community. Behavioral Intervention Specialist (intensive services for very high risk) will provide behavioral modification with youth in community, school, office and home settings for approximately 20 youth total per year. Medical Social Worker will coordinate wraparound services with community providers to include, at minimum, screening, crisis intervention, care coordination, and family support for an estimated 75 youth and their family members at community- and office-based settings. Data collection and sharing will inform community members, leaders, partners, and professionals.