SMH native connections program - sage memorial hospital's native connections program builds a community-wide suicide and substance misuse prevention platform for the youth residing in the…

SMH native connections program - sage memorial hospital's native connections program builds a community-wide suicide and substance misuse prevention platform for the youth residing in the communities of cornfields, ganado, kinlichee, klagetoh, greasewood springs, steamboat, and wide ruins, arizona, which has a combined community population of more than 9,500 community members, of which, 3,300 are under the age of 24 years old. The goal is to build partnerships with youth serving agencies in the community and provide them with the skills to identify and provide mental health first aid so they are able to guide youth to needed mental health services. The objectives are: 1) to use evidence-based curriculums such as youth mental health first aid, asist, QPR and crisis intervention training to train staff and faculty at six local schools over the next five years; 2) to revise policies and procedures so mhat trainees have a referral path to ER and behavioral health services; 3) screen all youth patients for depression and suicide; and 4) create protective factors to prevent suicide and substance misuse and reduce the impact of trauma. This program expects to serve over 2,500 youth, school staff and faculty, parents and guardians over the next five years. The anticipated outcome is to identify all youth who are experiencing a mental health crisis, ensure they receive counseling and/or treatment and have the opportunity to participate in programs that engage them in positive and culturally enriching activities.