In 2020, approximately 45,979 people died by suicide in the United States (CDC, 2022).
Reach Ur Life partners with schools, youth-serving agencies and healthcare organizations to implement protective factors to prevent suicide. Examples of these factors are early identification, screening, referrals and treatment for youth at risk. This also includes providing gatekeeper trainings such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and SafeTALK for all staff and participants to understand and recognize the signs of suicide. Additionally, Reach Ur Life supports health care agencies in aligning with the Zero Suicide framework. The Zero Suicide framework provides health care agencies with the necessary steps for safer suicide care.
Reach Ur Life implements evidence-based programs such as UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth), Sources of Strength and CAST (Coping and Support Training) in partnering schools. For the community, the program has offered culturally based workshops, such as a pronoun beading event for youth, which allowed participants to learn about the importance of self-identity and culture. The program has also facilitated events such as a community garden harvest, where team member Shonri Begay was able to show participants a variety of beans planted in the community garden earlier in the year and how each type of bean could be utilized.
For Native American Heritage Month, the Reach Ur Life team, in partnership with Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Flagstaff Unified School District’s Native American Education Program, and Flagstaff Bordertown Dormitory, is hosting a Youth Summit for youth ages 13 to 18. The Youth Summit, which is also known as a GONA (Gathering of Native Americans) will kickstart Native American Heritage Month in November 2022, and implements an interactive approach to empower youth and allow them to reflect on their culture, values, traditions and spiritual practices. The goal is to model a safe, supportive and nurturing community. This encourages youth to self-reflect and acts as a stepping stone for them to build a future in an environment where they can thrive and grow in hózhó (balance).
In 2020, approximately 45,979 people died by suicide in the United States (CDC, 2022). Suicide prevention can be as simple as being kind to strangers, attending to your own mental health, and sharing a 988 resource on social media. Suicide is preventable; it is important to raise awareness about how suicide is a serious public health issue and to acknowledge that every individual can play a role. It is crucial to be mindful of the resources and messages shared with others. FBN
By Jasmin Chavez
For more information about Reach Ur Life and how to be involved, please visit https://nacainc.org/community-development/reach-ur-life-program/
Jasmin Chavez is the training coordinator for Reach Ur Life.
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