We all

make us

all strong.

We keep our people whole.


Every story we tell. Every laugh we share. Every meal. Every paddle, every dance, every weave and cut down the court. Our Native identities and cultures, the values and traditions we share, make us who we are. Our connection — that’s what makes us strong.

For support for yourself or for someone else, call 988 and press 4 for the Native and Strong Lifeline, available 24/7.

Good relatives keep us healthy and safe.


Our connection protects us, too. As good relatives, we care for the people in our families, communities, tribes and nations. And we make us all stronger.

That includes talking about mental health and suicide — and getting support when we need it for ourselves and our friends and family.

Suicide warning signs to watch for.


Most people give some warning sign when they're thinking about suicide. Learn the signs to watch for so you can get support for yourself or someone else.

How to help a friend at risk.


When someone may be thinking about suicide, good relatives can help by being there for them. By talking. By listening. And by connecting them with people trained to help.

Resources for tribes and partners


The Native and Strong toolkit includes videos, social media posts, posters and digital graphics. It’s free to behavioral health care providers, schools, youth programs and others to help prevent suicide among Native people in Washington.

More information.


WE R NATIVE

This health website for Native youth, created by Native youth, includes information about culture, relationships and mental health.

HEALTHY NATIVE YOUTH

This site for tribal health educators, teachers and parents contains suicide-prevention curriculum for American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

THE ACTION ALLIANCE’S HOPE FOR LIFE TOOLKIT

Community organizers can change the conversation about suicide, spread awareness and foster hope in their communities. This toolkit can help.

THRIVE

This organization works to reduce suicide rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives in the Pacific Northwest.

American Indian Health Commission

This organization driven by tribal members works to improve American Indians’ health, with a focus on state policy. Learn more at its site.

Washington State Department of Health

This site provides information about preventing suicide in communities, at workplaces, and among young people. It offers data about suicide and resources for health professionals.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

This organization offers guidance for a culturally relevant, contextually driven and comprehensive approach to suicide prevention for Native communities. It also provides links to more helpful resources.

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

This diverse national partnership created a Hope for Life Day online toolkit, with resources for community leaders, grassroots organizers and health care professionals in Native communities. 

Native Connections

This grant program helps American Indian and Alaska Native communities identify and address Native youths’ behavioral health needs. Grant recipients work to reduce suicidal behavior and substance use and ease the effects of mental illness and trauma.

Indian Health Service 

This agency’s suicide prevention program addresses suicide risk in Native programs and communities by using community-level, cultural approaches. It offers resources for health care providers and patients and guidelines for community crisis response.