Native Connections

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Historical trauma and current day-to-day issues have significantly impacted our tribal communities, leading to a loss of traditional values and core beliefs. Although prevention and treatment services are available, they are geared towards the general population; therefore, lack culturally appropriate services available to our Native youth and young adults.

SAMHSA Native Connections is a program that helps American Indian and Alaska Native communities identify and address the behavioral health needs of Native youth by reducing suicidal behavior, mental illness, substance abuse and trauma, and helping our youth transition into adulthood.

*Financial assistance may be provided to eligible applicants for Mental Health Services

MISSION STATEMENT:

Our mission is to provide a culturally competent, holistic approach to wellness, which helps children, youth and young adults with mental or substance use disorders, connect with the services and support they need to prevent suicide and develop a stronger, more resilient Native American / Alaskan Native generation.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

Assess behavioral health needs and strengths in the Native Communities
Reduce suicidal behavior and substance abuse amongst Native youth and young adults up to age 24
Provide mental health support by facilitating a collaboration amongst Culturally Appropriate service providers
Conduct suicide prevention outreach to at risk Native communities and agencies

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Must be 24 years or younger
Underinsured or uninsured
Certificate Degree of Indian Blood or Tribal Enrollment Letter from a federally recognized tribe
Proof of residence: Arkansas Driver’s License, State issued ID, utility bill, or statement from shelter. Must live in the following counties – Benton, Crawford, Pulaski, Saline, Sebastian, & Washington

SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES

The following resources provide trained counselors and information about suicide prevention:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255. The Lifeline Provides 24/7, free confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat: The Lifeline Chat connects individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat, 24/7 across the United States. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

Native Crisis Text Line: text NATIVE to 741741, the Native Crisis Text Line is a free messaging resource offering 24/7 support to anyone in crisis.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 365-days-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders.

Additional Resources

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/native-americans
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/index.html
https://wernative.org/
https://www.ihs.gov/suicideprevention
https://www.sprc.org/

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

Talking about wanting to die
Looking for a way to kill oneself
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious, agitated or reckless
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings

The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk of suicide. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes suicide.

WHAT TO DO

If someone says they are considering suicide:
Take the person seriously
Stay with them
Remove any object that be used in a suicide attempt
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free 24/7
Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professionals

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org