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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.

Lifeline is available 24/7

Need Help Now? Click Here

Call 1-800-273-Talk (8255)

Text "Help" to 741-741

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.

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

Problem Statement:

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 populations; therefore, lacks culturally appropriate services available to our Native youth and young adults.

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

Problem Statement

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 populations; therefore, lacks culturally appropriate services available to our Native youth and young adults.

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

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 a 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 Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273 -TALK (8255)
  • Text TALK to 741741 to talk with 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

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.

Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741, the 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/settings/alan

For more information, please contact:

Rachel York
American Indian Center of Arkansas​
Native Connections Program Director

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American Indian Center of Arkansas

Sponsored by The American Indian Center of Arkansas, the Department of Labor through the WIOA Section 166 grant, SAMHSA through the Native Connections Grant, and the Department of Education through the ACE Grant.

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