Preventing Suicidal Behavior in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: A Health Equity Issue

The March session of Grand Rounds, “Preventing Suicidal Behavior in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: A Health Equity Issue,” was viewed in 6 foreign countries, 42 states, and the District of Columbia.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and suicide rates have increased more than 30 percent since 2000. Among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI and AN) communities, suicide rates are even higher than among the general population, and they are highest among youth and young adults, ages 15–34. Focusing on subgroups at risk, including youth among AI and AN communities, and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies is a key approach to reducing suicidal behaviors and may help reduce this health inequity.

Join us for this session of Public Health Grand Rounds to learn about prevention approaches, such as screening during healthcare visits and targeting risk and protective factors at community, relationship, and individual levels. This Grand Rounds also will examine successful school-based life-skill programs and the role employment and job quality can play in health.