Akiachak Native Connections Suicide Prevention Program - Akiachak Native Community (ANC), a federally recognized Yup'ik Tribe, is a remote village of approximately 736 residents located along the Kuskokwim River in southwest Alaska. Accessible only by small aircraft, boat, snowmachine, or ATV, Akiachak has limited access to behavioral health (BH) and prevention services. ANC proposes a five-year, culturally responsive suicide prevention program utilizing Calricaraq, our local Yup’ik wellness program, for Alaska Native youth and young adults through age 24 who are experiencing or at risk for suicide, suicidal ideation, and related behavioral health concerns. The population of focus includes approximately 382 children, youth, and young adults up to age 24. The need for suicide prevention services is significant. The 2023 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 21% of American Indian and Alaska Native high school students seriously considered suicide, 14% attempted suicide, 45% experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 30% reported poor mental health. Regional data also indicate 82 suicides from 2021-2025 and a suicide rate of 61.2 per 100,000, compared with 32.9 statewide and 10.2 nationally. Poverty, limited employment, geographic isolation, and restricted access to services further increase the risk of depression and mental health disorders, substance misuse, school disengagement, and suicide. The project will integrate evidence-informed behavioral health practices with Yup’ik traditional knowledge through Calricaraq, our regional Yup’ik wellness curriculum, and Yuuyaraq, Elder teachings on how we should live well. Activities will include a Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Action Plan; culturally grounded wellness education; Elder mentoring; subsistence, Native arts, youth leadership, and safe and sober activities; family and community engagement; and strengthened referral pathways 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 improve coordination and build sustainable local prevention capacity. Project goals are to 1) strengthen community suicide prevention capacity; 2) increase youth protective factors, resilience, cultural identity, and connectedness; and 3) improve early identification, referral, and access to behavioral health services. Key objectives include completing the assessment and action plan in Year 1, providing monthly prevention education and cultural activities, and offering individual and group counseling to youth, young adults, and families. ANC expects to serve approximately 400 unduplicated participants over five years.
