Overview
Native people in California—and across the United States—die by suicide at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group. Due to the undeniable need for culturally relevant behavioral health care for Native Americans living in California, both tribal and non-tribal governments recognized the need to incorporate the tribal voice into all future 988 planning.
KAI provided community engagement support for the California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) 5-year 988 Lifeline implementation plan. This included gathering the Native voice in California to inform the state’s 988 policy advisory group on the behavioral health needs of both rural and urban Indian populations. Listening sessions and focus group discussions with elders, adults, and youth were held throughout California. KAI connected state and tribal governments with Native end users, to work toward the development of a more culturally inclusive 988 system.
Challenges
- With 109 federally recognized tribes in California, and several large urban Indian centers throughout the state, community engagement work can feel like a daunting task. It can be difficult for non-Native entities and individuals to make those initial connections. Without a way to connect with Native 988 end users and individuals in tribal and urban Indian communities, there was no way to include the tribal voice into the CalHHS 5-year plan.
Solution
KAI interviewed a number of California tribal elected officials and facilitated three regional, focus groups from start to finish. Focus groups were hosted by tribal organizations on tribal owned lands with the goal of understanding what’s important for Native people when it comes to using a service such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. With questions tailored to a Native audience and a team of Native experts leading the discussions, the California Native voice and recommendations were captured with great detail for incorporation into the CalHHS 5-year plan.
Results
- CalHHS has taken KAI’s tribal engagement recommendations and findings and incorporated them into its community engagement summary and report to the legislature. Notably, when Native voices in these groups stated that a Native specific 988 line embedded into the larger system was important to them, CalHHS did not hesitate to explore this recommendation further. Discussions are ongoing for the creation of a tribal 988 line with a “press #4” option in the state of California, and KAI continues to work with CalHHS on their tribal engagement needs and the implementation of a state tribal 988 Lifeline
- About the 988 Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. SOURCE: 988Lifeline.org
