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

Be a Good
Relative

Notice. Ask Questions. Listen. Connect 
People with Support.​

If someone you know may be thinking about suicide …

Notice.​

  • Know the signs of suicide and take them seriously—even if you only see one of them.

Ask questions.

  • Express care and concern but know that it’s OK to be direct. You can ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” This will not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.

Listen.​

  • Make them feel heard by listening with compassion and without judgment. React calmly if they say they are thinking about suicide. Acknowledging and talking about suicide can reduce suicidal thoughts.

Connect people with support.​

  • Connect them with the 988 Native and Strong Lifeline by calling 988 and pressing 4. Native and Strong Lifeline counselors provide free, confidential support to people struggling with mental health. You can also help connect your loved one to a friend, trusted relative, spiritual advisor or other mental health professional.

CALL 988 AND PRESS 4 TO TALK WITH 
SOMEONE NOW.

Call the Native Lifeline.

  • Call 988 and press 4 for confidential support from a Native counselor, available 24/7.
  • Anyone can call, 24/7, whether it’s an urgent situation or you’re looking for emotional support for yourself or guidance to help a friend or loved one.
  • Conversations are private and confidential.

Use the crisis text line.

  • Text  “NATIVE” to 741741.
  • You’ll reach someone ready to support you during a crisis, 24/7.
  • You also can text if you need to talk to someone or help a loved one.

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.