Panel reviews suicide strategic plan for American Indian youths

HELENA — The director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services on Wednesday discussed a plan on halting suicide among American Indian youths, which have among the highest rates in the state.

He later fielded several questions from the panel ranging from whether any Montana companies were candidates to lead that effort to what role the tribes should play in the process.

DPHHS Director Richard Opper discussed elements of the “strategic plan” with members of the State Tribal Relations Interim Committee. The plan would look at ways to reduce Native American youth suicides.

Montana has been at or near the top of the nation for the rate of suicides for nearly 40 years. For the past 10 years, the Treasure State has had a suicide rate of 22.33 per 100,000 compared to 12.22 per 100,000 for the rest of the country, according to a DPHHS report.

The highest rate was among American Indians (35.5 per 100,000) followed by whites (28.1 per 100,000).

Karl Rosston, the state suicide prevention coordinator, recently told another state panel there was a “suicide epidemic” on the Fort Peck reservation.

Gov. Steve Bullock signed a measure in 2015 allocating $250,000 for youth suicide prevention efforts in the state’s tribal communities over the next two years.

Elements for the strategic plan presented to the tribal relations committee Wednesday include looking at the factors contributing to Native American suicide, ways to reduce suicides and ways to find more resources.

Sen. Jill Cochenour, D-East Helena, said she thought the tribes would want to take more of a leadership role. But Opper said the tribal partners were comfortable with the state doing that task.

Rep. George Kipp III, D-Heart Butte, urged Opper to involve tribal elders to help resolve issues, adding they are the people with the most knowledge.

Rep. Alan Doane, R-Bloomfield, noted that contract for the program was awarded to Kauffman and Associates of Spokane, Wash. He wondered why the state did not go with a Montana company.

He said he couldn’t understand why money was being spent in another state when so many were unemployed in Montana.

In a letter presented to the committee, Kauffman proposes an October meeting attended by representatives of each tribe and Indian health organization. The group will be known as the Coalition of Montana Tribes and Urban Indians.

The plan will be completed and presented to the state by February 2017.