Suicide Prevention

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A Vital Resource for Our Tribal Community

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a crucial addition to our mental health resources, providing immediate support for those experiencing mental health-related distress. This service is particularly important for our tribal community, addressing the unique challenges and cultural considerations we face.

Why 988 Matters:

Reduces Barriers: A simple, easy-to-remember three-digit number removes obstacles to seeking help.

24/7 Access: 988 offers around-the-clock support, ensuring help is always available.

Cultural Understanding: We are providing input towards developing an all-native staffed call center in California. In the meantime, staff at UIHS are here to serve our community’s needs.

Immediate Intervention: Quick access to crisis support can be life-saving in critical moments.

Complementary to Existing Services: 988 works alongside our local programs like Ko’l Ho Koom’ Mo (Youth Suicide Prevention Project) enhancing our community’s safety net.

How to Use 988:

Call or text 988 from any phone

Chat online at 988lifeline.org

Remember, you are not alone. Our community is here for you, and 988 is another way to reach out when you or someone you know needs support. #WeNeedYouHere For more information on local resources and support, please refer to our other mental health services and programs listed on this page.

Ko’l Ho Koom’ Mo (Youth Suicide Prevention Project)

We are a suicide prevention project within the United Indian Health Services, Inc. Tribal Public Health Division, Health Promotion & Education Department (HPE). Our project is funded through the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Memorial Grant at the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Education/Outreach on Youth Suicide Prevention

Provides suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention education and training to clients and their families. The project assists in: the development of policies to enhance suicide prevention within our local organizations, case management and education for youth (ages 10-24) and their families, and integration of the Zero Suicide Initiative within UIHS to improve quality of care to
clients.

Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention

Provides suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention education and training to Tribal and non-Tribal community members/organizations through evidence- and culturally-based programming. The project also provides: prevention in schools for suicide, violence, bullying, and substance abuse by training youth and caring adults to increase resilience and to positively impact their world; prevention/intervention trainings on how to recognize suicide warning signs/risk factors, how conduct an intervention, and how to connect those at risk to mental health/helping services; postvention training in the event of a tragedy, including internal and external messaging protocols, safety plans, and ongoing support for employees and families; awareness education to community partners on UIHS’ case management for youth at risk (ages 10-24) and their families.

Care Kits

Care Kits provided to clients struggling with mental health and/or at risk for suicide. Kits contain a collection of culturally inclusive self-care items and resources providing comfort, skills for coping, and information on youth-appropriate support services.

We Are Connected #WeNeedYouHere Campaign

This campaign originated in 2015 and strives to encourage youth to identify suicide warning signs and seek help.

United Indian Health Services, Inc.

Tribal Public Health Division

707.825.5070

United Indian Health Services, Inc.

Behavioral Health Department

707.825.5060

North Coast Rape Crisis Team

Call 707.445.2881 (Humboldt)

Call 707.465.2851 (Del Norte)

Text 707.382.5174

National Resources

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or Text 988

Chat online

WeRNative

Text ‘NATIVE’ to 94449

Crisis Text Line

Text ‘NATIVE’ to 741-741

Chat online

The Trevor Project

Call 1.866.488.7386

Text ‘START’ to 678-678

Chat online

Staff Contact Information

Fran Pederson
Social Worker/Client Advocate
frances.pederson@uihs.org
(707) 825-4194

Alexandra Garcia
Health Promotion & Education Specialist
alex.garcia@uihs.org
(707) 296-2506

Amanda Colegrove
Health Promotion & Education Manager
amanda.colegrove@uihs.org
(707) 825-4149