American Indian and Alaska Native young adults are strong and resilient. Interventions designed to improve their mental health and help-seeking skills are especially needed, particularly those that include culturally-relevant resources and relatable role models. The multi-media BRAVE intervention was designed for American Indian and Alaska Native teens and young adults to amplify and reinforce healthy social norms and cultural values, teach suicide warning signs, prepare youth to initiate difficult conversations with peers and trusted adults, encourage youth to access mental health resources (i.e. tribal clinics, chat lines), de-stigmatize mental health services, and connect youth to trusted adults.
The intervention can be flexibly delivered in three formats. It includes text messages, role model videos, a user’s guide, and small group activities. The lessons can be easily integrated into the flow of services provided by clinics, schools, treatment centers, and other community-based programs. BRAVE can be implemented by a variety of support staff and can be tailored to the needs and time constraints of any setting.
Population of Focus: American Indian and Alaska Native Youth and Young Adults
Links to Resources:
- Read the program fact sheet
- Access the BRAVE Program curriculum
- Learn about suicide data and statistics
- Read the guide, Suicide Clusters Within American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
- Explore resources for engaging Native American youth at risk of suicide from Child Welfare Information Gateway
Date: 2022