Preventive Implications of a Native Indian Mental Health Program: Focus on Suicide and Violent Death

A series of 8 suicides that occurred on a small Canadian Indian Reservation in 1975 prompted a study of the victims & others who had attempted suicide, with a view to developing an intervention & prevention program. A multi-dimensional program was developed & implemented, with maximal involvement of the Indian residents. An alcohol recovery centre provided programs for children & youth. Five years following the suicide epidemic, decreases in suicides, attempts & violent deaths were observed.