Red Hawk Project: Assessing the suicide related service needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native community of Los Angeles County

Funded by: SAMHSA; Grant Number: 1 U79 SM57425-01 Objectives: The suicide death rate for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) youth is 2.5 times greater than the national rate for all youth. Although Los Angeles County is home to the largest urban AIAN population in the nation, there is limited research and data on suicide rates and suicide prevention efforts in this population. The Red Hawk Project has used a mixed method approach to determine the suicide related service needs of urban AIAN youth and their families residing in Los Angeles County. Methods: To assess the gaps in available suicide prevention services and needs of the AIAN community of LA County, both qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments were used while considering the concurrent triangulation approach, including a combination of self-administered surveys, in-person, and phone interviews. Focus group discussions with the AIAN community, key informant interviews and service system assessment surveys with mental health service providers were conducted. Data was analyzed using manual transcriptions and statistical analysis. Ethical guidelines were followed: Institutional Review Board approval and research participant's consents were obtained. Results: Suicide risk and protective factors, and barriers in accessing services were identified. Additionally, specific suicide prevention and early intervention services needed in the AIAN community were identified. Conclusions: The Red Hawk Project will develop and implement a suicide prevention and early intervention curriculum, based on the needs assessment results, specifically for urban AIAN children and youth in LA County which can be replicated in other urban AIAN communities.