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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Suicide Prevention and Care Program

Educational Materials

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Toolkit for Crisis Centers Serving American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

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The Toolkit for Crisis Centers Serving American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Communities [PDF 1.9 MB] is designed to help crisis centers build effective and sustainable programs within their organizations and specifically aims to:

  • Increase staff awareness of AI/AN communities, cultural practices, traditions, and needs.
  • Increase AI/AN usage of crisis services.
  • Improve services for AI/AN help seekers by increasing cultural responsiveness in crisis centers.

This toolkit is organized into three sections, each for a specific audience.

  • Module One provides general background information about AI/AN communities, such as demographics, historical considerations, and current suicide related data.
  • Module Two offers leadership guidance on creating Tribal liaison roles within organizations and how to connect with AI/AN communities.
  • Module Three highlights cultural considerations and includes educational resources for crisis counselors as they communicate with AI/AN individuals who are seeking support.

Module 1

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Building a Foundation of Knowledge

Module 2

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Cultivating Partnerships with
AI/AN Communities

Module 3

Module 3

Culturally Responsive Approaches for Crisis Center Counselors