Santee Sioux Tribe worried about youth suicide

Friday, January 26, 2007  

A recent rash of suicides have worried parents and leaders of the Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska.

Since September 2005, at least three teens have committed suicide. Last year, three more attempted suicide on a reservation with 1,000 tribal members.

"That ratio is extremely high for us," Mike Henry, the director of health services, told The Lincoln Journal Star. "Depression seems to play a big role in all of this."

The tribe is taking steps to address the issue. Last week, a representative from a national suicide prevention program, Yellow Ribbon, came to the reservation to talk to tribal leaders. Yellow Ribbon is starting training for teachers and others starting today.

Also, tribal leaders from around the state are meeting to discuss Native youth suicide.

Get the Story:
Teen suicides concern tribal leaders (The Lincoln Journal Star 1/26)

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