Ponca Tribe Native Connections - The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, through White Eagle Health Center, proposes the Native Connections Program to strengthen culturally responsive suicide prevention and behavioral health services for American Indian and Alaska Native youth and young adults ages 10–24 in the Ponca Tribe service area, including Kay County, Oklahoma. The program will primarily serve youth in grades 6–12 and young adults ages 18–24, including those experiencing suicide risk, depression, substance use, trauma, limited access to care, or involvement with juvenile justice, Tribal court, Indian child welfare, or school disciplinary systems. The Tribe will establish a multidisciplinary Tribal Project Workgroup, complete a Community Needs and Readiness Assessment, and develop and implement a Tribal Strategic Action Plan using universal, selective, and indicated prevention strategies. Activities will include QPR Gatekeeper training, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline awareness, PHQ-A and PHQ-9 suicide risk screening, safety planning, behavioral health referrals, care coordination, follow-up services, and coordinated postvention protocols. Ponca cultural teachings will guide GONA, talking circles, cultural classes, the Native Connections Youth Sports and Wellness League, and a youth greenhouse project. The program will strengthen school and community partnerships, early identification, access to care, resilience, cultural connectedness, and coordinated systems of support.
