Both suicide and substance misuse continue to be significant issues within indigenous communities, but effective solutions are available and within our reach. Through local community partnerships and cultural practices, we can successfully reduce the multiple, shared factors that impact many health issues, including behavioral health challenges. This webinar will provide an overview of the connections between suicide and substance misuse, the necessity of community partnerships, and ways in which culture can prevent suicide and substance misuse.
Gerry RainingBird is an enrolled member of the Chippewa-Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy. Gerry has been involved with American Indian/Alaska Native education, health, and wellness promotion for nearly 30 years. His professional experience includes community mobilization and capacity building, positive youth development, cultural competency, group facilitation, strategic planning, and program development. He has worked with over 200 native communities across Indian Country and the Pacific Islands. In his most recent roles, he has served as Senior Tribal Prevention Specialist for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and Training and Technical Assistance Specialist for the Tribal Youth Program and the 7th Generation National Mentoring Project.
