Describes the suicidal epidemic that occurred on the Wind River Reservation during August & September 1985. During this period, there were 12 reported deaths (Ss aged 14-26 yrs) from suicide & an additional 88 verifiable suicide attempts or threats. Discussion of the Wind River experience begins with an overview of suicides & attempted suicides & a brief summary of the epidemic itself. A 3-stage model for intervention during an epidemic is presented & proposed long-term programs are described.