Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma receives $700K Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Tribal behavioral health suicide prevention - the Iowa Tribe Of Oklahoma’s bah-kho-je (bkj) behavioral health department will implement a culturally grounded suicide prevention initiative for american indian and Alaska native youth ages 10–24 in rural payne, lincoln, and logan counties, Oklahoma, an area encompassing 23 school districts. The project will establish a youth advisory board to identify barriers and youth needs and will promote cultural connection through traditional events, including youth powwows, and dedicated opportunities for youth to engage with tribal elders and peers. Building on longstanding school partnerships, bkj behavioral health will expand school-based mental health and prevention services, deliver suicide and substance use prevention curricula, support native american student associations, and establish hope squads in 2 districts. A collaborative workgroup of community members, tribal elders, and first responders will develop a tribal strategic action plan and culturally appropriate suicide prevention and postvention protocols. Community-wide and youth-focused training will align with the plan, while expanded youth programming will improve early identification, intervention, and support for youth at risk. These activities are intended to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide risk, strengthen belonging, and increase access to culturally responsive prevention services.