Culture Is Prevention - A Multi-Sector Urban Native Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative in Lewis & Clark County, Montana - Helena Indian Alliance (HIA) will implement CULTURE IS PREVENTION, a five-year initiative to strengthen culturally grounded suicide prevention for American Indian and Alaska Native youth and young adults under age 24 throughout Lewis & Clark County, Montana. Working with Helena Public Schools and community partners, HIA will expand school-based programming that integrates Indigenous teachings, traditional activities, youth leadership, trusted mentorship, and behavioral health support to strengthen cultural identity, belonging, help-seeking, resilience, and hope. HIA will establish a Youth and Community Prevention Workgroup, conduct a community needs and readiness assessment, develop a Strategic Action Plan for prevention and early intervention, establish culturally responsive postvention protocols, and strengthen referral pathways for youth at risk of suicide. Cultural teachings, talking circles, storytelling, mentorship, rites of passage, and guidance from Elders will be woven throughout implementation. HIA will also provide ASIST, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and GONA Train-the-Trainer opportunities for staff, schools, families, youth-serving professionals, and community partners. These activities will build coordinated support for Native youth before, during, and after behavioral health crises while sustaining local suicide prevention knowledge and cultural teachings beyond the grant period.
