Native and Strong Lifeline now open: call 988 and press 4

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 11/22/2022 03:10 PM PST

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Native and Strong Lifeline now open: call 988 and press 4

New crisis line is a first of its kind—created by and for Native people

Earlier this month, the Department of Health (DOH) announced the nation’s first Native and Strong Lifeline, which launches as part of the state’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Native and Strong Lifeline is dedicated to serving American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Why create the Native and Strong Lifeline?

In 2020, non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people in Washington had a 34 percent higher suicide rate than the rest of the population. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the barriers to care that Native communities face. As a result, during the pandemic, American Indians experienced higher suicide and overdose attempt rates—at least two times higher than that of non-Natives.

How to contact

To reach the Native and Strong Lifeline, call “988” and press 4.

Calls are answered by Native crisis counselors who are Tribal members and descendants closely tied to their communities. They are fully trained in crisis intervention and support, with special emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to healing. The Native and Strong Lifeline offers a new way of healing that centers the lived experiences, traditions, and wisdom of Native people.

The Native and Strong Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7.

When to contact

Contact the Native and Strong Lifeline if you or a loved one is experiencing:

Thoughts of suicide
Mental health crisis
Substance use concerns
Any other kind of emotional distress

“I chose to work for Native and Strong because suicide rates in Indian country are incredibly high and I want to remind my people that resilience is instilled into them. We, as the clinicians, get to be the voice many of us needed to hear. If I can save a life with a conversation, then I am happy to talk to as many people as I can.” – Heaven Arbuckle, Tulalip

Resources

Visit the 988 Lifeline website.
Visit the Washington Tribal Opioid Solutions suicide prevention.
Visit DOH’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The Washington Indian Behavioral Health Hub is a statewide resource line developed to meet the needs of Tribes and tribally affiliated people who may need help navigating the complex behavioral health system. The Hub assists tribal agencies, health care professionals, hospitals, in- and outpatient programs, and families and individuals. For more information, call the Hub directly at 1-866-491-1683.
Read DOH’s announcement.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.