American Indian / Alaskan Native Veterans
Introduction
Veterans from American Indian and Alaska Native populations have an exemplary tradition of military service and sacrifice, serving at one of the highest rates per capita of any ethnic group. However, when looking at race/ethnicity, we saw the largest increase in suicide among American Indian or Alaskan Native Veterans with an increase of 51.8% in the unadjusted suicide rate.
What Action Has VA Taken?
Culturally sensitive and responsive interventions tailored to American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans as well as culturally inclusive resources are essential to reducing suicide risk. VA is focused on increasing access to care, helping with connections to culturally meaningful treatments, and growing support networks to reduce suicide risk among this population.
Grants Serving Tribal Lands
Through the 2021 Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP), VA awarded $52.5 million in 2022 and 2023 to community organizations that coordinate suicide prevention services for Veterans and their families.
- 21 of the 80 grantees are serving tribal lands, including the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation, and Alaskan Natives.
- These services include Ho'oponopono (Hawaiian), Risking Connection (Hawaiian), Ninelines rites of passage ceremony, drum circle recovery groups, and Alaska Native Cultural Health and Resilience gatherings.
Increasing Access to Health Care
To address the challenges that American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans face in obtaining health care services, VA provides funding to programs to increase needed access.
- VA Video Connect: This program increases access to mental health services for rural native Veterans - offering training, education and ongoing evaluation for the delivery of mental health care via telehealth.
- The Rural Native Veteran Health Care Navigator Program: Aimed at assisting Native American Veterans living in rural communities, this program provides assistance on how to navigate the VA health care system.
What's Next?
Interactive Resource Map
VA partnered with Indian Health Services (IHS) to develop and launch an interactive, community resource map that integrates suicide prevention support and culturally specific practices. View the Interactive Resource Map.
Empowering Veteran Suicide Prevention Initiatives
VA is working with representatives from states, tribes and territories to develop and plan impactful, non-traditional or grassroots projects to prevent Veteran suicide specifically targeting American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
Suicide Prevention Gathering
In August 2024, VA Suicide Prevention will host a culturally grounded and community focused suicide prevention gathering. This gathering will allow for important discussions that incorporate, elevate and respect indigenous knowledge to better focus on the culturally appropriate protective factors and strengths of AI/AN communities.
What is a protective factor?
A protective factor is something that reduces the likelihood that someone will attempt suicide.
What Actions Are Showing Promise?
Waived Copayments
VA eliminated health care and urgent care copayments for eligible Native American and Alaska Native Veterans to increase access to care.
Mission Daybreak - Open Innovation Challenge
VA launched Mission Daybreak, a $20 million open innovation challenge calling on innovators to develop suicide prevention solutions that meet the diverse needs of Veterans. One of the winners, Televeda's Hero's Story, developed the first mental health app for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The app incorporates traditional healing practices like storytelling and talking-circle interventions.
Resources
American Indian and Alaska Native Community Provider Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to assist community health and mental health care provides deliver the highest possible quality care.
Learn MoreIndian Health Service/Tribal Health Program/Urban Indian Organization (I/T/U) - Community Care
Learn more about the Indian Health Service/Tribal Health Program with VA.
Learn More