Suicide rates among youth in general in New Mexico are at tragic levels, while those among American Indian youth are twice as high as the overall state rate. A new bill to try to make a positive impact is on its way to Governor Susan Martinez’s desk, and sponsors hope she signs it. From Clearly New Mexico:
[The bill] creates a statewide clearinghouse to provide technical assistance and support to facilitate collaboration and establish sustainable suicide prevention programs in Native communities. The clearinghouse will also provide culturally appropriate suicide intervention and post-event assistance to Native American children and their families.
Funding for the measure was removed due to the state’s budget shortfall, but state officials will use grant money to fund the preliminary work of the clearinghouse.
The full article is here.
