Project Grant H79FG001424

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded Central Council Tlingit And Haida Indian Tribes Of Alaska $1,318,154 on September 30, 2026, under the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Services Programs (CFDA 93.00R) to expand community-based suicide prevention and crisis response services for Alaska Native and American Indian communities.

The recipient will expand its Community & Behavioral Services Healing Center into Washington State to deliver outpatient behavioral health services, crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, care coordination, and follow-up services across the lifespan. The project strengthens connections to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through standardized referral pathways and warm handoff protocols with Alaska and Washington 988 providers. The initiative serves tribal citizens and other American Indian and Alaska Native individuals throughout Southeast Alaska—covering more than 25 communities across approximately 35,000 square miles, many accessible only by air or ferry—and the Puget Sound region of Washington State, where 8,000 tribal citizens reside. The population of focus includes Alaska Native and American Indian youth and adults experiencing suicide risk, mental health and substance use challenges, and historical and intergenerational trauma, with particular attention to addressing behavioral health workforce shortages and barriers to culturally responsive care.

Performance extends across Southeast Alaska and Washington State, with administrative oversight in Juneau, Alaska. The period of performance runs through September 29, 2029.