Nebraska tribes make suicide prevention a priority

At its quarterly meeting on Friday, the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs agreed to make suicide prevention a top priority and to seek a state task force on the issue.

Tribal leaders acted in response to a growing number of youth suicide. At least six teens from the Santee Sioux Tribe have committed suicide or have attempted suicide since September 2005. The Omaha Nation has seen at least four youth suicides in the last year.

In addition to addressing suicide, the commission hopes to address foster care. About 500 Native children are in foster care and in the juvenile system.

Get the Story:
Tribal leaders make stopping suicides a priority (The Lincoln Journal Star 1/27)

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