Posted on Nov 30, 2022
A new crisis line for Native people in Washington state
141
3
1
2
2
0
A statewide crisis line that debuted earlier this month is the first in the country to be specifically geared toward serving Native American and Alaska Native people, a resource that advocates say is much needed.
Washington’s Native and Strong Lifeline is part of the state’s 988 crisis centers. When callers dial 988, there are already separate lines for veterans and Spanish speakers, and now there is a specific option for the Native and Strong Lifeline.
Thirteen Tribal and Native counselors from across the country will staff the Lifeline and are fully trained to offer crisis intervention and support, “with an emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to healing,” according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Health.
Washington’s Native and Strong Lifeline is part of the state’s 988 crisis centers. When callers dial 988, there are already separate lines for veterans and Spanish speakers, and now there is a specific option for the Native and Strong Lifeline.
Thirteen Tribal and Native counselors from across the country will staff the Lifeline and are fully trained to offer crisis intervention and support, “with an emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to healing,” according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Health.
A new crisis line for Native people in Washington state
Posted from kuow.orgPosted in these groups: 
Native Americans
State of Washington
Native Americans State of Washington
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 1
1
1
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."In Washington state during 2020, the suicide rate for non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people was 34 percent higher than the general population, according to the Washington State Department of Health. A 2019 survey compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in four American Indian or Alaska Native high schoolers who responded had attempted suicide over the previous year.
Dr. Umair A. Shah, Washington’s secretary of health, said in a statement that the “Native and Strong Lifeline is crucial to saving lives, especially in a population so disproportionately impacted by suicide. Individuals need to know they are not alone, and help is available if you need it.”
Dialing 988 connects callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline either by call, text or chat. These crisis centers were made possible by federal agencies and Congressional legislation in 2020 which adopted the three-digit number as a national hotline. A Washington state bill expanded the service last year, and created a funding infrastructure for it.
During an event on Nov. 17 celebrating the creation of the Lifeline, Aren Sparck, Chevak Native Village Qissunamiut tribal member and Office of Tribal Affairs administrator from the Health Care Authority, said Covid-19 added obstacles to those already faced by Native people and that these impacts contributed to a decrease in life expectancy rate by 6.6 years.
“Our goal is to serve as an example for other states to emulate the Native and Strong Lifeline,” Sparck said."
..."In Washington state during 2020, the suicide rate for non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people was 34 percent higher than the general population, according to the Washington State Department of Health. A 2019 survey compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in four American Indian or Alaska Native high schoolers who responded had attempted suicide over the previous year.
Dr. Umair A. Shah, Washington’s secretary of health, said in a statement that the “Native and Strong Lifeline is crucial to saving lives, especially in a population so disproportionately impacted by suicide. Individuals need to know they are not alone, and help is available if you need it.”
Dialing 988 connects callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline either by call, text or chat. These crisis centers were made possible by federal agencies and Congressional legislation in 2020 which adopted the three-digit number as a national hotline. A Washington state bill expanded the service last year, and created a funding infrastructure for it.
During an event on Nov. 17 celebrating the creation of the Lifeline, Aren Sparck, Chevak Native Village Qissunamiut tribal member and Office of Tribal Affairs administrator from the Health Care Authority, said Covid-19 added obstacles to those already faced by Native people and that these impacts contributed to a decrease in life expectancy rate by 6.6 years.
“Our goal is to serve as an example for other states to emulate the Native and Strong Lifeline,” Sparck said."
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google