Sioux Falls Argus Leader series on youth suicide

The Sioux Falls Argus Leader concludes its three-part series on suicide among Indian youth in South Dakota.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe, whose leaders declared a state of emergency over the extremely high rate of suicide on the reservation, recently received a $477,570 federal grant. The tribe will use the money to establish the Wiconi Wakan Health and Healing Center, which will focus on suicide and substance abuse prevention.

The Crow Creek, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock tribes combated rising suicide rates in the past few years. The Indian Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been studying the issue to help the tribes address the problem.

The tribes hope more help will come with the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. The bill includes provisions to address youth suicide.

Get the Story:
Tribe takes steps to 'stop this pain' (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 9/23)
Opportunity presents hope for youth (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 9/23)
Son's death prompts desire to help (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 9/23)

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Sioux Falls Argus Leader series on youth suicide (9/22)