The Native & Strong Lifeline – Washington’s suicide-prevention, crisis, and help line for all Native and Indigenous people in the state – now offers text and chat services. These new options expand the line’s efforts to provide culturally affirming support for American Indian and Alaska Native people experiencing thoughts of suicide, substance use concerns, mental health crises or emotional distress.

Native communities have the highest suicide rates of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. Adding text and chat services aims to provide more access to care that centers on the lived experiences, traditions and wisdom of Native people.

“The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), together with tribes, tribal organizations and partner agencies, continues to build a more equitable and

See Full Page