The Native American Suicide Prevention Act, sponsored by Arizona Congressman Grijalva, was a key provision in the latest $900 Billion COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress last month. The Native American Suicide Prevention Act requires states to work with tribes and tribal entities when implementing suicide prevention programs. Last July, four UNITY youth leaders testified during a Mental Health and Healing Oversight Hearing hosted by the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. According to Congressman Grijalva’s office, the hearing played a major role in the development of the Native American Suicide Prevention Act.
Click here to read remarks from Congressman Grijalva about the passage of the Relief Package.
The Oversight hearing held virtually last July can be found here.
Additional Native youth testimonies may be found here.