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Call 988 and press 4 for the Native and Strong Lifeline, available 24/7.

A Legacy
of Service

Native people have a higher per-capita rate of military service than any other ethnic group. In some families, service spans generations as far back as the Revolutionary War. Native Americans enlist to defend their home and land, and to create good lives. For many, service is a source of honor and pride. Yet, some veterans experience mental health issues and thoughts of suicide.
 
Culturally appropriate support is available for Native veterans in Washington state—whether that means talking with an elder, starting mental health counseling online or in person, or learning about other resources available such as food and shelter.

Suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone, including those who’ve served. It’s a sign of strength to get support—for you or your relatives.

Be There for Your Veteran Relatives​

Veterans can feel isolated when they return home from service. Friends, relatives and communities who reach out and check in with veterans can help protect them.

Connect with other veterans.​

Many veterans share similar experiences during and after service. They may find comfort in connection with fellow veterans, whether in their community or online. Spending time with people who have shared experience can help improve mental health, including thoughts of suicide.

Connect with your tribe and community.​

Connect veterans with elders, traditional language speakers and cultural specialists who engage with traditions like dancing, food and storytelling. Make plans that include veterans in activities. Find ways to help veterans mentor youth—passing knowledge and customs to the next generation can be healing for many people.

Join in ceremony.​

Traditions, like coming-home ceremonies, are a source of strength, connection, and support. Some Native veterans cope better with anger, depression and post-traumatic stress when they take part in rituals connected to war, service and healing.

Keep firearms safe.​

Store firearms and ammunition in secure places. Have a plan for handling access to firearms if someone in your life has a mental health crisis.

Destigmatize counseling.​

Encourage Native veterans to talk about their experiences with professional therapists. Look for therapists who specialize in working with Native people or veterans. If services are located far from where you live, consider online counseling.

Asking for Help is a 
Sign of Strength—

Connection is Prevention

Native and Strong Lifeline

If you’re thinking about suicide or struggling emotionally or mentally, talk with a friend or relative, or call the Native and Strong Lifeline:

  • In Washington state, dial 988 and press 4.
  • The Lifeline is open 24/7 and fully staffed by Native counselors.
  • This Native-centered crisis line is for all Indigenous people in the state of Washington, regardless of tribal affiliation or homeland.
  • For support specifically for veterans, you also can call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, and press 1.

Native Resource Hub​

Finding support for houselessness, unemployment, and other hardships can improve your mental health. The Native Resource Hub can help you find housing, food, utility assistance or other resources, including cultural resources. 

  • Dial (866) 491-1683 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • The Hub is fully staffed by Native people who keep a database of updated resources within the state of Washington.
  • The Hub is for all Indigenous people in Washington state, regardless of tribal affiliation or homeland.

The Native & Strong campaign was developed in partnership with the 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington and the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH). Rooted in the belief that Connection is Prevention, this suicide prevention campaign is led by the leadership, wisdom, and priorities of Washington tribes, with the support of WA DOH. Through this government-to-government collaboration, Native & Strong focuses on raising awareness, providing education, and sharing resources to support local efforts in preventing suicide and strengthening the well-being of tribal communities now and for future generations. To support this work DOH has contracted with Kauffman and Associates, Inc., an American Indian owned communications firm on community technical support, outreach, and campaign dissemination. 

— Connection is Prevention! 

Privacy: NativeAndStrong.org is committed to respecting your privacy. We don’t collect personal data and we don’t use cookies to collect personally identifiable information about you.

Contact information:
Gerry.RainingBird@doh.wa.gov
Kathy.Pierre@doh.wa.gov
NativeandStrong@kauffmaninc.com

2025 © Department of Health. All Rights Reserved.