Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Behavioral Health Enhancement - The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (PGST) will prevent and reduce suicidal behavior and substance abuse among its enrolled and affiliated Indigenous youth, ages 18-24, who face barriers to health in terms of rural location, low average income, and generational trauma. The project will focus on community assessment data-informed interventions, such as emphasizing culture in support activities, providing direction and help for risk factors like transitions between high school and college or jobs, and education around warning signs and resources. To address the determined needs, PGST will engage around 100 youth annually (as much as 150 individuals over five years) in social activities that incorporate PGST cultural practices, healthy living, life skills, and self-esteem building, as well as training on mental health and suicide prevention. Activities will connect youth to the Tribe’s history and culture, help them develop positive beliefs about themselves, and learn healthy behaviors in their relationships with others. The project will also train community members to learn how to recognize suicidal behavior, how to respond, and where to find help. Specific goals and outcomes that will be achieved include: Goal 1: By July 2025, at least 100 respondents ages 18-24 years will be surveyed to determine community needs, readiness, and existing resources. Outcome: The program will better understand the necessary strategies for outreach and programming, prevention of suicide and overdose, and treatment of mental health crises and substance abuse for the PGST community. Goal 2: By December 2025, PGST will use internal collaboration and survey data to develop and implement monthly community-based suicide prevention programs and activities engaging at least 10 young adults per event. Outcome: PGST youth ages 18-24 will have a sense of belonging and support through access to monthly activities, training, and community awareness to prevent suicide and substance abuse. Goal 3: By the end of the funding period, service eligibility policies, suicide and substance abuse prevention procedures, and community input opportunities across programs relating to youth will be reviewed and updated based on the required assessments. Outcome: Young adults will have access to an enhanced support network through PGST needs-specific updates and knowledge of current gaps in services.
