Suicide prevention in Native communities: A CBPR approach

John Walkup, M.D.
Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine

ABSTRACT:  This presentation will focus on the evolution of a tribe-wide suicide prevention program based on a community based participatory research methodology.  The tribe experienced spikes in youth suicide that were devastating to the community and developed a strategy to make reporting of suicidal behavior to the suicide prevention team mandatory for all who live and work on the reservation. Based on data collected the tribe developed prevention strategies that addressed risk groups.  The most recent assessment suggest that suicide and suicide attempts decreased in from 2007-2012 from the early phase of the project in 2001-2006.