Akiachak Native Connections Suicide Prevention Program - Akiachak Native Community (ANC), a federally recognized, remote Yup'ik Tribe of approximately 736 residents along the Kuskokwim River in southwest Alaska, proposes a five-year, culturally responsive suicide prevention program for approximately 382 Alaska Native children, youth, and young adults through age 24 who are experiencing or at risk for suicide, suicidal ideation, and related behavioral health concerns. The program will integrate evidence-informed behavioral health practices with Yup'ik traditional knowledge through Calricaraq, a regional wellness curriculum, and Yuuyaraq, Elder teachings on living well. In Year 1, ANC will complete a Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Action Plan. Activities will include monthly culturally grounded prevention education and cultural activities; Elder mentoring; subsistence, Native arts, youth leadership, and safe and sober activities; family and community engagement; individual and group counseling; and strengthened referrals to behavioral health, crisis, and treatment services. ANC will collaborate with Tribal leadership, Elders, youth, families, the local school, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and regional partners to strengthen community prevention capacity, protective factors, resilience, cultural identity, connectedness, early identification, and access to care. ANC expects to serve approximately 400 unduplicated participants over five years.
