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National summit aimed at preventing Native American teen suicide |
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 19 June 2011 |
National summit aimed at preventing Native American teen suicide
Friday, June 17, 2011
MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ) - A national summit will be held this summer to address the growing number of Native American teens who are committing suicide.
Assistant US Indian Affairs Secretary Larry Echowalk told a conference in Milwaukee this week that his agency is stepping up efforts to address the problem.
Indian teens have a higher suicide rate than others – and the National Congress of American Indians held a three-hour workshop on the subject.
Some tribes have started their own suicide prevention programs.
Angeline Boulley of the Sault Sainte Marie Chippewa tribe said there are many signs to look for – like mental illness and substance abuse. She also said many tribes need to make sure their young people stay connected to their schools and families.
The federal government is helping pay for the Sault tribe’s program.
http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2011/jun/17/national-summit-aimed-at-preventing-native-american-teen-suicide/ |
